Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. It represents a neoplastic expansion of neural crest cells in the developing sympathetic nervous system.
The disease appears mainly in babies and infants under the age of five years (more common with boys) and is considered rare compared to other types of pediatric cancer. Despite appearing in only ~8% of tumors in children, it is responsible for 12% of death causes for children with cancer.
- Most primary tumors (~65%) originate in the adrenal gland, located above the kidney
- Can originate along the sympathetic chain of nervous system
- Common locations: neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis
- May spread to lymph nodes, bone marrow, bones, liver, skin
- In rare cases, spreads to the lungs or brain
- Prognosis varies widely – from spontaneous regression to resistant metastatic disease
- Largely dependent on tumor biology and characteristics
- MYCN gene amplification (~40% of cases) leads to poor prognosis
- Children diagnosed over 18 months have less favorable outlook
- The road for improvement is long and challenging
Learn about the signs and symptoms to watch for. Knowledge is power in the fight against neuroblastoma.
A urine test measuring VMA and HVA levels — substances produced by neuroblastoma cells — can help detect the disease. These markers are elevated in more than 90% of neuroblastoma cases. The test is non-invasive and can be done from a simple urine sample. If your child is showing persistent symptoms, or if there is a family history of neuroblastoma, ask your pediatrician about VMA/HVA urine screening.
Important: This test is one tool among many. Elevated levels suggest the need for further evaluation, not a diagnosis on their own. A normal result does not rule out neuroblastoma entirely. Always consult your child’s medical team for guidance.
