A neuroblastoma is a form of cancer which is relatively common during childhood, and actually the most frequently found in infants. Amongst those that occur outside of the cranium, it is the most common in children as well. Overall, nearly half of all cases of neuroblastomas take place in patients who are less than two years of age.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms in a person with a neuroblastoma may be difficult to pinpoint as being related to that particular condition. For instance, there might be pain in the joints. Exhaustion and a loss of appetite are also frequent symptoms. The patient could experience a fever. Lymphadenopathy can be present. Based upon where the primary location of the tumor is, and whether or not metastasis has occurred, certain symptoms can be present. An example of this is breathing difficulties that might occur should the neuroblastoma be located in the person's chest. If the cancer reaches the bone marrow, then it may lead to anemia, bringing a pale color to the skin. Some rare symptoms include high blood pressure and Horner's syndrome.

Causes

The medical reasons for cases of neuroblastoma are not understood especially well. In some instances, cases of this cancer run in the family. Some other risk factors have been suggested, including some parental factors such as whether they were exposed to particular chemicals, drank alcohol, smoked, etc. These thoughts have not led to any certain links, however.

Diagnosis

Various methods can be used in the diagnostic process. One of the possibilities is biochemistry tests, including the detection of raised catecholamine levels in either urine or blood. An mIBG scan can be used as an imaging method. Other possibilities for detecting a neuroblastoma also exist. These cancers may also be staged into different classifications. It is typically a surgical pathologist that confirms the diagnosis. Whether it is such a person or not, the one who does confirm the diagnosis is to be a medical professional.

Treatment

The treatment used may not be the same in one case as compared to another. In general, the prognosis is positive if the cancer is localized. However, if it is advanced and the child is more than a year and a half old, then the prognosis is not as positive. Please get professional advice regarding treatment method for any case you may be dealing with.

Read about other causes of swollen lymph nodes, or return to the home page for general information on lymphadenopathy.