What is Neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops in babies and young children, usually before the age of five. It starts in immature nerve cells, called neuroblasts, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This system controls many automatic body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

Neuroblastoma usually starts in the adrenal glands, which are above the kidneys in the belly. But it can also begin in nerve tissue in the chest, neck, or pelvis. Because these nerve cells are found in many areas, neuroblastoma can show up in different parts of the body.

This cancer often grows without causing symptoms at first and may spread to other parts of the body, like the bones, bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, skin, or brain, before it is found.

What are the symptoms of Neuroblastoma?

The symptoms of neuroblastoma can be very different and depend on where the tumor is, how big it is, and if it has spread. One of the most common things parents notice is a lump or swelling, often in the belly, neck, or chest. The lump may feel hard and usually does not hurt when touched.

Children may have belly pain, bloating, not feel like eating, lose weight, feel tired, or be cranky. If the tumor presses on nearby organs, it can cause trouble breathing, coughing, trouble swallowing, or problems going to the bathroom. Some children may have trouble walking, weakness in their arms or legs, or problems with balance if nerves are affected.

When the cancer spreads, symptoms may include bone pain, limping, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, dark circles around the eyes, or bulging eyes. Fever that does not go away and constant tiredness are also common warning signs.

In some cases, the tumor releases hormones into the blood. This can cause chronic diarrhea, sweating, fast heartbeat, flushed skin, high blood pressure, or persistent fever. These hormone-related symptoms are called paraneoplastic syndromes.

What causes Neuroblastoma?

The exact cause of neuroblastoma is not fully understood. Doctors know that it happens when immature nerve cells do not mature normally and continue to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. This process is believed to be linked to gene mutations that occur during early development, either before birth or shortly after.

In most children, these genetic changes happen by chance and are not inherited. There is nothing the parents did or did not do that caused the disease. In very rare cases, neuroblastoma can run in families. This is known as hereditary neuroblastoma, and it is linked to changes in specific genes such as ALK or PHOX2B.

Certain genetic features inside the tumor cells can affect how fast the cancer grows and how well it responds to treatment. For example, changes in genes like MYCN, ATRX, or NTRK1 help doctors understand how aggressive the tumor is and guide treatment decisions.

How to diagnose Neuroblastoma in children?

Doctors find out if a child has neuroblastoma by doing a physical exam, lab tests, and imaging tests. During the exam, the doctor looks for lumps, swelling, changes in the eyes, and signs of nerve problems. Blood and urine tests may show certain substances made by neuroblastoma cells, such as HVA and VMA, which are higher in most cases.

Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or MIBG scan help find the tumor and see if it has spread. A sample of the tumor is taken and looked at under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes, a bone marrow test is needed to check if the cancer has spread there.

Staging and Risk Groups

After diagnosis, doctors figure out the stage and risk level of neuroblastoma. Staging shows how far the cancer has spread, while risk grouping helps predict how well the tumor might respond to treatment. Based on age, how much the tumor has spread, what the cancer cells look like, and gene changes, children are put into low-risk, intermediate-risk, or high-risk groups.

Low-risk tumors may get smaller on their own or need only a little treatment. Intermediate-risk tumors usually get better with treatment. High-risk neuroblastoma is harder to treat and often needs strong therapy.

How to manage and treat neuroblastoma in children?

Treatment for neuroblastoma depends on the child’s risk group. Some children may only need to be watched closely, while others need several types of treatment. These may include surgery to take out the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and medicines given after treatment to lower the chance of the cancer coming back.

Children with high-risk neuroblastoma often need several rounds of treatment, sometimes including a stem cell transplant. Care is given by a team led by a children’s cancer doctor, along with surgeons, imaging specialists, and other support experts.

What to expect if a child has Neuroblastoma?

The healthcare team is best able to give personal information about what neuroblastoma might mean for a child’s health and chances of recovery. They know about the tumor and how it is likely to respond to treatment.

In general, doctors use neuroblastoma risk groups (low, intermediate, or high) to help plan treatment and predict what might happen. Lower risk groups usually have better results.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Neuroblastoma treatment for children in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Neuroblastoma treatment for children in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced pediatric oncologists and pediatric surgeons who provide accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging, personalized medical care, and comprehensive surgical treatment tailored to each child's specific condition. Our Pediatric Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Neuroblastoma in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Neuroblastoma treatment for children in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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