Can neuroblastoma be treated?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Neuroblastoma is the most common tumor in childhood, and it is also the most common in infants and toddlers. Typically, neuroblastoma is a type of neuroendocrine tumor, clinically found often in the adrenal glands or in nervous tissues such as the neck, chest, and abdomen. Currently, neuroblastoma can be effectively classified according to its level of risk into low-risk, intermediate-risk, or high-risk groups. For patients in the low-risk group, surgical treatment can achieve satisfactory results; for patients in the intermediate-risk or high-risk groups, treatment often involves a combination of methods, yet still may not achieve satisfactory results.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Precursors to neuroblastoma recurrence

For neuroblastoma, if recurrence occurs, the patient may show symptoms like recurrent headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, if the optic nerve is involved, there may be a decrease in vision and visual field defects. Even the possibility exists that the tumor could recur, increase in size, and compress surrounding important blood vessels and nerves, leading to an increase in intracranial pressure, which manifests as worsening of the original symptoms of headaches and dizziness. Once such symptoms occur, it generally suggests a high likelihood of neuroblastoma recurrence. If it causes symptoms such as hemiplegia and aphasia, it can generally be confirmed.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Early symptoms of neuroblastoma

For patients with neuroblastoma, in the early stages, due to the small size of the tumor, there generally lacks clear clinical signs or symptoms. Most patients experience mild headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, accompanied by a certain degree of vertigo. However, in most cases, these symptoms can be tolerated. Patients often have episodic attacks, with a persistent worsening condition. Later, as the tumor grows further, it may lead to an exacerbation of existing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may also experience abnormalities in the sensation of one side of the body, manifested as numbness, pain, and a tingling sensation.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Age of onset of neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma, typically arises from primitive neural crest cells, is more commonly found in the sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla. There is no specific age for the onset of neuroblastoma, but research indicates that it is more commonly diagnosed in children. The exact causative factors of neuroblastoma are not yet fully understood, but it is widely believed to involve congenital genetic factors, including acquired genetic mutations. Clinically, the presentation largely depends on the location of the tumor, the age at diagnosis, and the degree of malignancy of the tumor. In most cases, the tumor originates in the abdominal cavity, with a higher occurrence in the adrenal glands in children.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Neuroblastoma is what disease

Neuroblastoma is a highly malignant epithelial neurocyte tissue tumor, which is relatively aggressive. Often in the early stages of the disease, the tumor tissue adheres to surrounding brain tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, making it impossible to completely remove it surgically. The residual tumor cells quickly recur over time. As a result, most neuroblastoma patients have a poor prognosis and short survival time, even with effective surgical treatment, including postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Therefore, it is recommended that those diagnosed with neuroblastoma undergo early further examinations and treatments.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Is neuroblastoma contagious?

Neuroblastoma is not a contagious disease, and currently, the cause of neuroblastoma is not very clear. In some cases, it is related to genetic factors, and in other cases, it might be related to the effects of radiation and drug-induced genetic mutations. There is no definitive consensus on this yet. For relatives caring for someone with neuroblastoma, there is no need to worry about contagion. This is simply a form of tumor within the skull. It will continue to grow, spread, and disseminate within the body on its own, but it cannot be transmitted to another individual. Therefore, there's no need for undue concern. Prompt treatment to extend the patient's lifespan and reduce suffering is crucial to better serve the patient.