Expert Care for Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment | AIROC Hospitals

About Neuroblastoma – Overview and Types

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body, most commonly arising in the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. It is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in infants and young children, typically affecting children under the age of five. At AIROC Hospitals, our pediatric oncology specialists provide comprehensive, family-centered care to diagnose and treat neuroblastoma with a focus on the best possible long-term outcomes for children.

Neuroblastoma can behave very differently from case to case — some tumors grow slowly or even resolve on their own without treatment, while others grow and spread quickly, requiring intensive therapy. Because of this wide range in behavior, accurate risk classification plays a central role in guiding treatment at AIROC Hospitals.

Types and Risk Categories of Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is generally classified based on risk level, which considers the child's age, tumor location, spread, and specific biological features:

• Low-Risk Neuroblastoma – Often localized and may sometimes resolve without aggressive treatment, particularly in very young infants.
• Intermediate-Risk Neuroblastoma – Involves a moderate likelihood of progression, typically requiring a combination of treatments.
• High-Risk Neuroblastoma – Associated with more aggressive tumor behavior, larger tumor size, or spread to other parts of the body, requiring intensive, multi-modal treatment.

Neuroblastoma can also be described by its location of origin, most commonly the adrenal glands, but also the abdomen, chest, neck, or spinal area. Identifying the exact risk category and tumor characteristics is essential for guiding treatment, and our specialists at AIROC Hospitals conduct thorough evaluation to personalize care for each child.

 

Symptoms and Causes

Common Symptoms of Neuroblastoma

Symptoms of neuroblastoma vary widely depending on the tumor's location and whether it has spread, and may include:

• A lump or swelling in the abdomen, neck, or chest
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Bone pain, which may cause limping or reluctance to walk
• Dark circles or bruising around the eyes
• Bulging eyes
• Unexplained fever
• Fatigue and pale skin
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits, if the tumor presses on nearby organs
• High blood pressure
• Uncontrolled eye movements or muscle jerking (in rare cases)

Because early symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for common childhood illnesses, persistent or unusual symptoms in an infant or young child should be evaluated promptly by a specialist.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of neuroblastoma is not fully understood, but several factors are associated with the condition:

• Age: Neuroblastoma most commonly develops in infants and young children, with the majority of cases diagnosed before age five.
• Genetic Mutations: Most cases occur due to random genetic changes rather than inherited mutations, though a small percentage of cases are linked to inherited gene changes.
• Family History: A family history of neuroblastoma modestly increases risk in a small subset of cases, often related to specific inherited genetic factors.
• Congenital Conditions: Certain conditions present from birth have been associated with a slightly higher risk of neuroblastoma.

Unlike many adult cancers, neuroblastoma is not linked to lifestyle or environmental factors, which distinguishes it from many other cancer types. Understanding a child's specific genetic and clinical profile helps our team at AIROC Hospitals guide appropriate evaluation and family counseling when relevant.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

How Neuroblastoma Is Diagnosed

At AIROC Hospitals, we use a comprehensive, child-focused diagnostic approach to confirm neuroblastoma and determine its risk category:

• Physical Examination: Checking for abdominal masses, swelling, or other physical signs.
• Urine Tests: Measuring levels of catecholamine byproducts, which are often elevated in neuroblastoma.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and specialized scans such as MIBG scans help locate the tumor and assess whether it has spread.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is examined to confirm the diagnosis and assess specific tumor characteristics.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: Used to check whether the cancer has spread to the bone marrow.
• Genetic and Molecular Testing: Helps identify specific genetic features of the tumor that guide risk classification and treatment planning.

Treatment Options at AIROC Hospitals

Treatment for neuroblastoma is carefully tailored based on the child's risk category, and may include:

• Observation: For very low-risk cases, particularly in infants, careful monitoring may be recommended, as some tumors can resolve without treatment.
• Surgery: Often used to remove the tumor, particularly for localized disease, and may be combined with other treatments for higher-risk cases.
• Chemotherapy: Used to shrink tumors before surgery or to treat cancer that has spread, particularly in intermediate- and high-risk cases.
• Radiation Therapy: May be used to target remaining cancer cells after surgery or to treat areas where the cancer has spread.
• Immunotherapy: An important treatment option for high-risk neuroblastoma, helping the immune system target and destroy cancer cells.
• Stem Cell Transplant: Used in high-risk cases, involving high-dose chemotherapy followed by transplantation of the child's own healthy stem cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Emerging treatment options based on specific genetic features of the tumor, used in select cases.

Our multidisciplinary pediatric team at AIROC Hospitals — including pediatric oncologists, surgeons, and radiation specialists — works closely with families to design a treatment plan focused on both effective cancer control and long-term child development.

 

Prevention and Risk Factors

Because neuroblastoma primarily results from random genetic changes rather than lifestyle or environmental factors, there is currently no established way to prevent it. However, the following can support early detection:

• Awareness of Early Signs: Parents and caregivers noticing a persistent lump, unusual bruising around the eyes, or unexplained bone pain in a young child should seek prompt medical evaluation.
• Genetic Counseling for Family History: Families with a known history of neuroblastoma or related genetic conditions may benefit from genetic counseling to understand any inherited risk.
• Routine Pediatric Check-Ups: Regular well-child visits help support early identification of unusual physical findings.
• Prompt Evaluation of Persistent Symptoms: Any ongoing, unexplained symptoms in an infant or young child should be assessed by a pediatric specialist without delay.

At AIROC Hospitals, we work closely with families to ensure prompt evaluation of any concerning symptoms in young children, as early diagnosis and accurate risk classification play a vital role in achieving the best possible outcomes in neuroblastoma treatment.

 

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a specialist at AIROC Hospitals for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.