Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that begins in the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure and other vital body functions. This cancer most often occurs in children under the age of five.

Causes of neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is most often caused by a genetic mutation.

Symptoms of neuroblastoma

Swelling or a lump in the abdomen
Swollen stomach
Weakness and fatigue
Diarrhea
Problems with movement
Bone aches

Diagnosis of neuroblastoma

MIBG: an imaging test that uses radioactive iodine to scan the body to detect the spots of neuroblastoma
Bone scan to detect bone metastasis
CT scan to determine which organs have been affected by neuroblastoma
Urine test to detect levels of VMA protein
Bone marrow biopsy to detect any bone marrow involvement

Treatment of neuroblastoma at KHCC

Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or bone marrow transplantation. Early stages of the disease in patients less than one year old are treated with 4-8 cycles of chemotherapy. Advanced stages of neuroblastoma are treated with intensive chemotherapy in combination with an autologous bone marrow transplant, which is usually followed by a vitamin A derivative administered orally for 6 months.