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What is Neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a tumor of nerve tissue that develops in infants and children and can occur in many areas of the body. It develops from the tissues that form the sympathetic nervous system (which controls body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure, digestion and levels of certain hormones). It most commonly begins in the abdomen in the tissues of the adrenal gland, but it may also occur in other areas. Neuroblastoma can spread to the lymph nodes, liver, bones and bone marrow.

The average age of a child diagnosed with neuroblastoma is about 18 months of age but the condition is occasionally seen in teenagers or even young adults. It is found slightly more often in boys than in girls. In the United States, about 800 new cases of neuroblastoma are diagnosed each year.

Doctors have discovered many of the causes of neuroblastomas. These discoveries will help in the development of new and better neuroblastoma treatments.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma may vary depending on what part of the body is affected. This cancer starts in immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. Neuroblasts are found in several areas of the body.

Neuroblastoma in the belly may cause symptoms such as:

  • Belly pain.
  • A lump under the skin that typically isn’t tender when touched.
  • Diarrhea or constipation.

Neuroblastoma in the chest may cause symptoms such as:

  • Wheezing.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Changes to the eyes, including drooping eyelids and pupils that are different sizes.

Other symptoms that may indicate neuroblastoma include:

  • Lumps of tissue under the skin.
  • Eyeballs that seem to stick out from the sockets.
  • Dark circles around the eyes that look like bruises.
  • Back pain.
  • Fever.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • Bone pain.

Causes

It’s not clear what causes neuroblastoma. This cancer starts in immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. Neuroblasts are found in several areas of the body.

Neuroblastoma starts when neuroblasts develop changes in their DNA. A cell’s DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA gives instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. The instructions tell the cells to die at a set time. In cancer cells, the DNA changes give different instructions. The changes tell the cancer cells to grow and multiply quickly. Cancer cells can keep living when healthy cells would die. This causes too many cells.

The cancer cells might form a mass called a tumor. The tumor can grow to invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, it’s called metastatic cancer.

Risk factors

The risk of neuroblastoma is higher in children. This cancer happens mostly in children age 5 and younger.

Children with a family history of neuroblastoma may be more likely to develop the disease. Yet, healthcare professionals think only a small number of neuroblastomas are inherited.

There are no known ways to prevent neuroblastoma.

Complications

Complications of neuroblastoma may include:

  • Spread of the cancer. With time, the cancer cells may spread to other parts of the body. Neuroblastoma cells most often spread to the lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, skin and bones. When cancer spreads, it’s called metastatic cancer.
  • Pressure on the spinal cord. A neuroblastoma may grow and press on the spinal cord, causing spinal cord compression. Spinal cord compression may cause pain and paralysis.
  • Symptoms caused by cancer secretions. Neuroblastoma cells may secrete chemicals that irritate other tissues. The irritated tissues can cause symptoms called paraneoplastic syndromes. Symptoms of paraneoplastic syndromes may include rapid eye movements and difficulty with coordination. Other symptoms include abdominal swelling and diarrhea.

ABOUT THE ARMER FOUNDATION FOR KIDS:
Founded by Jennifer and Matt Armer in 2019, the Armer Foundation For Kids (a 501(c)(3) 84-2327428) works to reduce
financial barriers for families so that they can care for their children with chronic or life-altering diseases that can often
lead to unforeseen financial burdens. For more information and to see the children for which they are currently
fundraising, visit www.armerfoundation.org.

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