Overview

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that arises from immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. This is the most common type of solid brain tumor in children.

Neuroblastoma can appear anywhere within the entire sympathetic nervous system. Most often, neuroblastoma occurs in the abdominal cavity and usually develops in the adrenal nerve tissue, located above the kidneys’ top. It can also develop in the nerve tissue of the neck, chest, or pelvis.

Risk factors and causes of neuroblastoma

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing neuroblastoma. Such tumors most often develop in young children, somewhat more often in boys than in girls.

A small number of patients (1-2%) have hereditary neuroblastoma. This type of disease can be transmitted from generation to generation. Hereditary neuroblastoma most often caused by a change or mutation in the ALK or PHOX2B genes. Children with hereditary neuroblastoma have a 50% chance of passing the disease on to their children.

Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma

The signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma depend on the tumor’s location and the age of the child. These include:

• A lump on the neck, chest or abdomen
• Exophthalmos or dark circles around the eyes
• Abdominal pain
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Weakness in the legs

Other neuroblastoma symptoms may include chronic diarrhea, changes in eye movement, high blood pressure, headache, cough, difficulty breathing, fever, bruising, or Horner’s syndrome.