Neuroblastomas often start in the adrenal glands above the kidneys. They can spread to the kidney and other nearby areas. Though possible, it’s rare for them to start in your kidneys.
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that starts in immature nerve cells. It’s the most common cancer in infants and the
Half of people with a neuroblastoma diagnosis are younger than
The most common place neuroblastoma develops is inside the adrenal glands. One adrenal gland sits on top of each kidney.
Neuroblastoma can spread to the kidneys or other nearby tissues, such as the spinal cord or liver. Rarely, the cancer may originate in nerve cells inside one of the kidneys.
Read on to learn more about neuroblastoma and how it may affect your child’s kidney health.
Neuroblastoma vs. kidney cancer
About
Neuroblastoma is another cancer that starts in immature cells. It can develop anywhere along a branch of the nervous system called the sympathetic nervous system. It most commonly develops in the adrenal glands. Rarely, it can also start in nerve cells inside the kidneys.
Neuroblastoma symptoms vary widely depending on where the cancer develops. If the tumor develops in the abdomen, symptoms a child may have include:
- a lump or swelling in the belly that doesn’t hurt
- loss of appetite
- complaints that they feel full or have belly pain
- problems urinating or passing a bowel movement
- swelling in their legs, and possibly in the scrotum in boys
Tumors that start in the kidney often have
High blood pressure is a rare symptom, but it
Some neuroblastomas can produce hormones that cause problems throughout the body. This phenomenon is called paraneoplastic syndrome. Symptoms can include:
- persistent watery diarrhea
- rapid heartbeat
- fever
- sweating
- high blood pressure
- flushing of the skin
Neuroblastoma develops rapidly and tends to spread to other body parts quickly. About
Neuroblastoma that starts in the adrenal glands can spread to the
- bones and bone marrow
- brain
- spinal canal
- mesentery, a membrane that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall
- pericardium, a protective sac around the heart
- liver
- diaphragm
- pancreas
Some neuroblastomas may cause kidney injury. For example, a
Some treatments for neuroblastoma, such as radiation therapy, may also damage the kidneys. In a
Researchers found that study participants had excellent kidney outcomes, with nobody developing a long-term reduction in kidney function. The risk of kidney damage tends to increase with increasing doses of radiation.
Which organs does neuroblastoma affect?
Neuroblastoma can develop anywhere in the sympathetic nervous system. According to 2014 research, about
Cancers that do not start in the abdomen usually start in the:
- chest
- spine
- neck
- pelvis
Though rare, neuroblastoma can start in the kidneys.
In a
Most researchers believe that neuroblastoma of the kidney originates from the
The adrenal medulla is the inner part of the adrenal gland where the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline are made. The sympathetic ganglion is a bundle of nerves in your kidney that helps regulate your blood pressure.
The Children’s Oncology Group divides neuroblastoma into
| Group | Description | 5-year survival |
|---|---|---|
| Low risk | tumor isolated to one organ | more than 90% |
| Intermediate risk | tumor has spread to nearby areas or to bone and bone marrow | 90–95% |
| High risk | cancer has spread widely in a non-infant | 40–50% |
| Tumor stage 4S | cancer has spread widely in an infant | more than 90% |
The 5-year survival rate for infants with stage 4S neuroblastoma is
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops in immature nerve cells. It most commonly develops in the adrenal gland above the kidney. Neuroblastoma can spread to the kidneys. In rare cases, it can start in the kidney.
Most children with neuroblastoma survive the cancer. Neuroblastoma often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms right away, but it’s critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible if your child has potential symptoms.