Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that grows in the nerve tissue of young children. It forms in early nerve cells called neuroblasts. These cells normally grow into nerve cells, but in neuroblastoma, they become cancer cells instead. Neuroblastoma is the most common type of cancer in infants.

Neuroblastoma most commonly starts in the tissue of the adrenal glands, the triangular glands on top of the kidneys that make hormones that control heart rate, blood pressure, and other important functions. Like other cancers, neuroblastoma can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, skin, liver, and bones.

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What are the signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma usually affects young kids. Usually, it’s discovered when a doctor feels an unusual lump in the child’s body.

Other symptoms depend on where the tumor started and how much the cancer has grown and spread to other parts of the body. Early symptoms may include irritability, being very tired, loss of appetite and fever.

Symptoms will increase when the growing tumor presses on nearby tissues or when the cancer spreads to other areas. Later symptoms may include:

  • Swollen stomach, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite (if the tumor is in the abdomen)
  • Bone pain or soreness, black eyes, bruises, and pale skin (if the cancer has spread to the bones or bone marrow)
  • Weakness, numbness, inability to move a body part, or difficulty walking (if the cancer presses on the spinal cord)
  • Drooping eyelid, unequal pupils, sweating, and red skin, which are signs of nerve damage in the neck known as Horner’s syndrome (if the tumor is in the neck)
  • Difficulty breathing (if the cancer is in the chest)
  • Fever and irritability

What causes neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma happens when early nerve cells called neuroblasts grow and divide out of control instead of developing into nerve cells. Scientists don’t know exactly what causes this, but it seems linked to a problem in the genes that control the neuroblasts.

How is neuroblastoma treated?

Sometimes neuroblastoma disappears on its own without treatment, just watchful waiting. Sometimes it’s treated with surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for neuroblastoma. Pediatric oncologists in our Solid Tumor Program come up with a personalized treatment plan for each patient, depending on the child’s age and risk level.