What is Neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a children’s cancer that occurs in infants and young children and is rarely found in children older than 10 years of age. In the United States, approximately 700 children and adolescents younger than 20 years of age are diagnosed with tumors of the sympathetic nervous system each year, of which approximately 650 are neuroblastomas. More alarming, though, is that over 97% of sympathetic nervous system tumors are neuroblastomas.

The cells of this cancer usually resemble very primitive developing nerve cells found in an embryo or fetus. (The term neuro indicates "nerves," while blastoma refers to a cancer that affects immature or developing cells). These solid tumors, which take the form of a lump or mass, commonly begin in one of the adrenal glands, though they can also develop in nerve tissues in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.

Prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the age of the child when diagnosed, stage of disease, location of the tumor in the body, and characteristics of the tumor. The average age at diagnosis is two. It is extremely difficult to diagnose in small children, and once diagnosed, its progression is often rapid, and very painful. Neuroblastoma is responsible for over 15% of all cancer deaths.

Neuroblastoma Information Resources

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