Browsing: Neuroblastoma

Comprehensive Information, Resources, and Support on  Neuroblastoma


Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer which develops from immature nerve or neuroblasts primarily in the adrenal gland, neck, abdomen chest, pelvis or spinal cord. The infected cells may spread to other organs such as the bone marrow, bone, lymph nodes, liver and skin. The immature malignant cells are mostly found in[expand title=””]an embryo or fetus. It is estimated that neuroblastoma mostly affects children age 5 or younger. In some cases, neuroblastoma begins due to a gene mutation passed from the parent to the child. Neuroblastoma accounts for about 7% of all cancers in children.

Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma
Some most common symptoms of neuroblastoma are:

– Pain in abdomen, neck, chest or bones

– Hard mass or lumps under the skin

– Diarrhea or constipation

– Difficulty in swallowing

– Fatigue, loss of energy, loss of appetite and weight loss

– Bulging or jerky eyes, pale skin, etc

Diagnosis and Treatment of neuroblastoma
For accurate diagnosis, several tests are recommended such as urine test, ultrasound scans, MRI scans, CT scans, mIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine) scan, etc. In some cases, tissue biopsy or bone marrow biopsy are recommended to exact diagnose the disease.

Common treatments of neuroblastoma are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, retinoid therapy, etc depending upon the stage of the disease.

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Adrenal Gland - An Amazing Organ

The adrenal glands are two small glands that are located on top of each kidney. They’re part of your endocrine system that produces hormones. Adrenal glands produce hormones that are necessary for many vital functions. Adrenal cancer is a condition that occurs when abnormal cells develop in or travel to your adrenal glands.

Stage 4 (High Risk) Neuroblastoma

The cells responsible for neuroblastoma formation are called neuroblasts. Stage 4 neuroblastoma is also called high-risk neuroblastoma. At this stage, the cancer has spread to distant body parts like distant lymph nodes, bone, liver, skin, bone marrow etc. Stage 4 neuroblastomas are highly aggressive and have a survival rate of less than 50%.