Neuroblastoma

NEUROBLASTOMA

Neuroblastoma. A particular kind of pediatric cancer called neuroblastoma arises in the nervous system  of infants and young children. The growth of neuroblastoma occurs in immature nerve tissue. Usually, it impacts the neuroblasts in the adrenal glands, which are tiny structures situated above the kidneys.

NEUROBLASTOMA

The hormones that regulate automatic bodily processes including breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion are produced by the adrenal glands. Additionally, neuroblastoma can arise in nerve tissue found in the neck, chest, abdomen, or spinal cord. Other body parts may be affected. Immature nerve cells known as neuroblasts are the source of the cancer known as neuroblastoma. Although the adrenal glands are where it most frequently appears, it can also happen in the chest, abdomen, and spine. Among the signs of this juvenile cancer include weariness, bone discomfort, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

Causes

The growth of immature nerve tissues (neuroblasts) out of control results in neuroblastoma. Unusual cell growth and division result in the formation of a tumor. Uncontrolled cell growth and division are caused by a genetic mutation, which is a change in the neuroblast’s DNA. The cause of the genetic mutation is unknown to the medical community. The risk of developing neuroblastoma is higher in children with a family history of the disease. Neuroblastoma, however, is not inherited (that is, handed on in families) in approximately 98% to 99% of cases. Children may be more susceptible to neuroblastoma if they were born with additional congenital abnormalities, or birth defects.

Signs

Neuroblastoma can cause mild to severe symptoms. The location of the tumor and the disease’s stage affect them. When symptoms first develop, cancer has usually migrated to other parts of the body. Among the symptoms are: a lump or bump in the neck, chest, pelvis, or abdomen (belly); in neonates, a number of lumps just beneath the skin that may appear blue or purple.
The child may appear to have a black eye due to dark circles beneath their eyes or bulging eyes.
loss of appetite, unsettled stomach, constipation, or diarrhea.
fatigue, fever, and cough.
A indication of anemia (few red blood cells) is pale skin.
stomach pain and bloating.
difficulty breathing (typically in infants).
weakness, difficulty moving, or paralysis in the feet and legs.

Treatment

Chemotherapy: Chemo prevents the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy medications are administered by medical professionals by vein injection. Treatments typically take place over a few weeks or months. Which risk category your child has for neuroblastoma determines the kind of chemotherapy and duration of treatment.
Surgery: Although the entire tumor may not be able to be removed, surgeons make an incision to remove the tumor. In order to reduce a tumor or eliminate any cancer cells that may still be present, some kids undergo chemotherapy either before to or following surgery.
Radiation: This therapy either destroys or inhibits the growth of cancer cells. High radiation doses are used in radiation treatment to target cancer cells. Radiation is frequently used by radiation oncologists to stop cancer from returning after treatment. Patients with high-risk neuroblastoma are the ones that receive radiation therapy the most.

Summary

A family’s entire life is altered by a cancer diagnosis. There is hope, though, and you are not alone. Treatments that significantly improve the prognosis for children with neuroblastoma are being developed by medical professionals and researchers. There have been encouraging results from a number of clinical trials, and research is still ongoing. See your doctor about becoming a member of a cancer support group. You can find support and encouragement by talking about your experiences and listening to inspiring tales.