Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that grows in the nerve cells. It most often starts growing in the adrenal glands, but it can also start in other nerve cells of the body, such as the neck, chest, or spinal cord. The cancer can spread quickly to other parts of the body.
Neuroblastoma is most commonly diagnosed in infants and children under age 5. It is very rare in children over age 10. In some cases, the cancer may start growing even before a baby is born.
The symptoms of neuroblastoma can vary depending on where the cancer is growing and if it has spread. Some common symptoms in children may include:
Neuroblastoma is caused by a mutation, or change, in the cells. In most cases, there is no known cause for the mutation. But in some cases, the mutation may be passed down from a parent to a child.
Treatment options for neuroblastoma will depend on your child’s age, where the tumor is growing and if it has spread. Doctors will often base treatment on a child’s neuroblastoma risk group:
Your care team at Arkansas Children’s are experienced in treating neuroblastoma and will work with your family to come up with the best treatment plan for your child.