Neuroblastoma - Symptoms & Causes

What is neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma can be categorised into 4 stages depending on age, and how advanced and aggressive the cancer is.

Neuroblastoma is also classified according to its genetic aberrations. Amplification of the MYC-N oncogene often predicts treatment failure.

Neuroblastoma that shows MYC-N amplification is classified as high-risk regardless of its stage.

Stages of neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma can be categorised into 4 stages depending on age, and how advanced and aggressive the cancer is:

• Stage L1. The tumour has not spread from where it started and is restricted to a part of the body, such as the chest, abdomen, or neck. This stage has the lowest risk.
• Stage L2. The tumour is still restricted to a part of the body, but cancer cells have spread to regional lymph nodes. Also, there is involvement of vital structures of the body, such as the tumour encasing large blood vessels.
• Stage M. The tumour has spread to more than a single body part. This is known as metastatic neuroblastoma. This stage has the highest risk.
• Stage MS. This stage affects children younger than 18 months, and is considered low-risk. In this, the cancer spreads only to skin, liver, and/or bone marrow.

What are the symptoms of neuroblastoma?

Symptoms of neuroblastoma may differ depending on the body part. Some common symptoms include:

• Lumps or swelling in the affected regions
• Persistent fever
• Bone pain and limping
• Back pain
• Weight loss
• Eye changes, such as swelling and bruising around the eyes, dark circles, and unequal pupil size

What causes neuroblastoma?

A genetic mutation in neuroblasts causes them to grow uncontrollably and develop into tumour. However, it is not yet known what causes this genetic mutation that leads to neuroblastoma.

What are the complications of neuroblastoma?

• Metastasis or spread of the cancer. The tumour cells may spread to the lymph nodes, bones, bone-marrow, liver and skin.
• Spinal cord compression. The tumour may cause spinal cord compression that may result in pain and paralysis.
• Dropping blood cell count such as anaemia and low platelet count.
• Severe hypertension and renal insufficiency. This may make chemotherapy difficult.
• Paraneoplastic syndromes. Sometimes, tumour cells release hormones that can cause symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, reddening of the skin, sweating, fever, and rapid eye movements.