Neuroblastoma
by jmmillerNeuroblastoma is a cancer that grows in the nervous system. It usually affects the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidney. They can also originate in the abdomen and chest. In very rare cases it can affect the brain.
Neuroblastoma usually occurs in early childhood. Most of the time it affects children under five years old. The cause of neuroblastoma is unknown, but this type of cancer has shown that it can run in families. In some rare cases, it can be discovered prenatally.
Some of the first symptoms of neuroblastoma include:
- Large abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- A sensation that you are always full
Some of the other symptoms can be:
- Anemia- This happens if the cancer invades the bone marrow
- Weakened immune system- This occurs when the white blood cell count has been reduced
- Bruising- This happens when the platelets in the blood diminish
- Bone pain- This happens if the cancer spreads to the bones
A lump in the abdomen may be one of the first signs of neuroblastoma. If the doctor suspects neuroblastoma he may suggest an ultra sound, CT scan, or an MRI of the abdomen and chest. If the cancer has spread, the doctor can take tissue samples. This will determine where the cancer has spread in the body. If it hasn’t spread it can be removed by surgery. If the cancer has spread the use of chemotherapy drugs may be used. Some of these include:
· Doxorubicin
· Cisplatin
· Cyclophosphamide
· Vincristine
Radiation therapy may also be used. Children with neuroblastoma have a great chance of a disease free survival. If you have any questions about neuroblastoma call your doctor.
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