Neuroblastoma Overview

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects infants and children. The disease is more commonly diagnosed in children under the age of five, and in boys. Neuroblastoma often begins in the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidney and in the upper abdomen. Neuroblastoma begins in nerve tissue of the adrenal glands, more specifically.

Neuroblastoma usually begins very early in childhood, but is not usually diagnosed until symptoms appear. However, it may be detected in some cases during a fetal ultrasound. Unfortunately, neuroblastoma is normally diagnosed when the disease had spread to other parts of the body, like the bones, lymph nodes, skin and liver.

Common treatment for neuroblastoma include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and general waiting to see if symptoms appear/change. Several clinical trials are ongoing to research other treatment methods.

Facts About Neuroblastoma

• Neuroblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in infants
  
• About 650 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States
  
• The average age that neuroblastoma is diagnosed in 17 months
  
• As many as 7 out of 10 cases are not diagnosed until the disease has spread

_{Created:01/07/06
Sources: American Cancer Society
National Cancer Society}