Neuroblastoma
In general, Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the adrenal glands, which are located over kidneys. Apart from that, it can develop in your chest, stomach, pelvis, neck or bones as well. Most commonly children of age five or younger can get affected by this type of cancer. In this cancer, extracranial solid tumors are formed in those body parts. This is one of the most common types of cancers found in children all over the world. Even infants younger than one year of age can get this disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Different types of symptoms are noticed in children affected with this type of cancer.
- They can feel extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lump can be formed, or compression of tissues can be developed in the affected areas
- Apart from that there can be pain in the affected area as well
Causes & Risk Factors
Usually, Neuroblastoma begins in neuroblasts, which are nothing but immature nerve cells. These immature nerve cells are made by the fetus as a part of the development procedure. With the maturity of the fetus, those nerve cells develop the adrenal glands. Most of the neuroblasts become mature after birth or disappear, and others form a tumor.
If the children have those common symptoms and have a family history of Neuroblastoma, then they are likely to develop this disease.
Treatment and Management
Your child’s doctor can suggest and plan the treatment process according to your child’s health and growth. Surgery is one of the common treatments for Neuroblastoma. Apart from that chemotherapy can also be tried.