Neuroblastoma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. It primarily affects children under the age of 5.
The most common location for neuroblastoma is in the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys and produce important hormones. However, this cancer can also appear in other areas containing neuroblasts, including the spine, abdomen, chest, and neck.
Symptoms of neuroblastoma vary based on the tumor’s location in the body. The disease presents differently in each child, with some forms potentially resolving without intervention. Others require medical treatment through various approaches:
- Surgery: Removal of the tumor.
- Chemotherapy: Medication to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Use of high-energy beams.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: Replacement of damaged bone marrow.
Healthcare providers develop personalized treatment plans based on each child’s specific condition and needs.
Signs and Illness Markers
Neuroblastoma shows different signs based on where it develops in the body. This cancer begins in young nerve cells that haven’t fully grown yet. These cells can be found in several body areas.
When To Contact a Medical Professional
If you notice any concerning symptoms in your child, reach out to their doctor right away. Be sure to mention any changes you’ve seen in how your child acts, their normal routines, or how they look.
Stomach Area Signs:
- Stomach pain
- A non-tender lump under the skin
- Bowel problems (either diarrhea or constipation)
Chest Area Signs:
- Wheezing sounds when breathing
- Trouble breathing
- Eye changes, like droopy eyelids or pupils of different sizes
Other Possible Signs:
- Lumps of tissue under the skin
- Eyes that appear to bulge outward
- Dark circles that look like bruises around the eyes
- Pain in the back
- Fever
- Weight loss without trying
- Pain in the bones
Causes
Neuroblastoma begins when immature nerve cells called neuroblasts develop DNA changes. These neuroblasts exist in various parts of the body.
The DNA in cells contains instructions for growth, multiplication, and death. In healthy cells, these processes follow a specific pattern. However, when DNA changes occur in neuroblasts, the instructions become altered.
These DNA changes tell cancer cells to:
- Grow rapidly
- Multiply quickly
- Survive when they should naturally die
This abnormal growth leads to an excess of cells that may form a tumor. As the tumor grows, it can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue.
Over time, cancer cells might break away from the original tumor and travel to other body parts. This spread is known as metastatic cancer.
Scientists haven’t identified the exact cause of these DNA changes in neuroblastoma. Unlike some other cancers, neuroblastoma’s triggers remain largely unknown. Research continues to investigate why some children develop these DNA changes while others don’t.
Risk Factors
Children under the age of 5 face a higher risk of developing neuroblastoma. This form of cancer primarily affects young children.
A family history of neuroblastoma may increase a child’s likelihood of developing the disease. However, medical experts believe only a small percentage of neuroblastoma cases are actually inherited.
Currently, there are no known prevention methods for neuroblastoma.
Complications
Neuroblastoma can lead to several serious complications as the disease progresses:
- Cancer Spread: Neuroblastoma cells can travel from the original tumor to other body parts. These cells most commonly spread to lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, skin, and bones. This spread is known as metastatic cancer and often makes treatment more challenging.
- Spinal Cord Pressure: As tumors grow, they may press against the spinal cord. This pressure can cause severe pain and may lead to paralysis if not treated promptly.
- Chemical Secretion Effects: Some neuroblastoma tumors release chemicals that affect other tissues, causing what doctors call paraneoplastic syndromes. These can trigger various symptoms, including rapid, uncontrolled eye movements, problems with coordination and balance, swelling in the abdomen, and frequent diarrhea.
