How quickly does neuroblastoma grow?
Some neuroblastomas grow slowly (and some might even shrink or go away on their own), while others can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. Neuroblastoma happens most often in babies and young children. It is rare in children who are more than 10 years old.
Can neuroblastoma stunt growth?
Neuroblastoma Growth and Development Issues Decreased growth rates during neuroblastoma treatment are a common occurrence. Many children will experience catch-up growth after treatment, but in some children, short stature (height) is permanent. Chemotherapy may contribute to a slow-down in growth.
What are the symptoms of neuroblastoma in toddlers?
Signs and Symptoms of Neuroblastoma
- Lump or swelling in the child’s belly that doesn’t seem to hurt.
- Swelling in the legs or in the upper chest, neck, and face.
- Problems with breathing or swallowing.
- Weight loss.
- Not eating or complaining about feeling full.
- Problems with bowel movements or urinating.
- Pain in bones.
How common is neuroblastoma in toddlers?
Neuroblastoma is by far the most common cancer in infants (younger than 1 year old). There are about 700 to 800 new cases of neuroblastoma each year in the United States. This number has remained about the same for many years. The average age of children when they are diagnosed is about 1 to 2 years.
What causes neuroblastoma toddler?
Most neuroblastomas are the result of gene changes in neuroblasts that happen during the child’s development, sometimes even before birth. What causes these acquired gene changes is not known. They might be just be random events that sometimes happen inside cells, without having an outside cause.
Do childhood cancers come back?
Childhood cancer survivors have a slightly higher risk of developing a second cancer at some point — even if the original cancer doesn’t come back. Many things affect this risk, such as the type of the first cancer, the treatments given, and any genetic risks.
What does a neuroblastoma lump look like?
Other signs and symptoms that may indicate neuroblastoma include: Lumps of tissue under the skin. Eyeballs that seem to protrude from the sockets (proptosis) Dark circles, similar to bruises, around the eyes.
What ages are most commonly affected by neuroblastoma?
Almost 90% of neuroblastoma is found in children younger than 5. The average age of diagnosis is between 1 and 2 years old. Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer diagnosed in children younger than 1. It is rare in people older than 10.
Can a blood test detect neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma often spreads to the bone marrow (the soft inner parts of certain bones). If blood or urine levels of catecholamines are increased, then finding cancer cells in a bone marrow sample is enough to diagnose neuroblastoma (without getting a biopsy of the main tumor).
What are the symptoms of neuroblastoma?
Symptoms of neuroblastoma may include: 1 A hard, painless mass in the neck 2 Stomach pain 3 Feeling irritable 4 Decreased appetite 5 Leg weakness
What causes neuroblastoma in children?
Neuroblastoma is sometimes caused by a gene mutation (change) passed from the parent to the child. Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma include bone pain and a lump in the abdomen, neck, or chest.
Can a child recover from neuroblastoma without treatment?
A favorable tumor biology means there is a better chance of recovery. In some children up to 6 months old, neuroblastoma may disappear without treatment. This is called spontaneous regression. The child is closely watched for signs or symptoms of neuroblastoma. If signs or symptoms occur, treatment may be needed. What Is Recurrent Neuroblastoma?
What is the average age of diagnosis for neuroblastoma?
Most children with neuroblastoma are diagnosed before age 5. The number of cases of neuroblastoma is about the same worldwide, so environmental factors do not seem to play a role. What are the symptoms of neuroblastoma?