Neuroblastoma Health Article

Definition

Neuroblastoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops from nerve tissue. It occurs in infants and children.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Neuroblastoma can occur in many areas of the body. It develops from the tissues that form the sympathetic nervous system (the part of the nervous system that controls body functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure, digestion, and levels of certain hormones).

Most neuroblastomas begin in the abdomen in the adrenal gland or next to the spinal cord, or in the chest. They may also start in other areas. Neuroblastomas can spread to the bones (face, skull, pelvis, shoulders, arms, and legs), bone marrow, liver, lymph nodes, skin, and around the eyes (orbits).

The cause of the tumor is unknown. Neuroblastoma is most commonly diagnosed in children before age 5. The disorder occurs in approximately 1 out of 100,000 children and is slightly more common in boys.

In most patients, the neuroblastoma has already spread when it is first diagnosed.

Symptoms

The first symptoms are usually fever, a general sick feeling (malaise), and pain. There may also be loss of appetite, weight loss, and diarrhea.

Other symptoms depend on the site of the tumor, and may include:

• Bone pain or tenderness (if the cancer spreads to the bones)
• Difficulty breathing or a chronic cough (if the cancer spreads to the chest)
• Enlarged abdomen (from a large tumor or excess fluid)
• Flushed, red skin
• Pale skin and bluish color around the eyes
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid pulse (tachycardia)

Brain and nervous system problems may include:

• Inability to empty the bladder
• Loss of movement (paralysis) of the hips, legs, or feet (lower extremities)
• Problems with balance
• Uncontrolled eye movements or leg and feet movements (called opsoclonus-myoconus syndrome, or "dancing eyes and dancing feet")