Is neuroblastoma a cancer?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Neuroblastoma is a highly malignant tumor, one of the most malignant among neuroepithelial tumors, and thus can be considered as cancer from this perspective. Typically, its tumor biology growth pattern is that of a malignant tumor, often growing rapidly. In the early stages of the disease, it tends to adhere closely to surrounding tissues, making it difficult for surgery to be completely successful. In addition, during treatment, it can be observed that the tumor cells are highly invasive to surrounding tissues. This often leads to significant brain edema, resulting in compression of important surrounding blood vessels and nerves, causing functional damage. The tumor can also spread through the bloodstream, making it difficult to completely remove surgically, or to miss the optimal time for surgical treatment, resulting in a poor prognosis.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Is neuroblastoma hereditary?

Neuroblastoma has a partial genetic predisposition, but current research has not definitively determined the extent or probability of its heritability. For modern neuroblastoma, its origin is primarily associated with genetic mutations or chromosomal changes. Factors such as smoking, drinking, and drug use by the mother during pregnancy can severely harm the fetus and potentially lead to the development of neuroblastoma. Sometimes, excessive radiation or the misuse of certain drugs can also cause neuroblastoma. Therefore, while there is a certain genetic tendency for neuroblastoma, it is not the main factor.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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Early symptoms of neuroblastoma

For neuroblastoma, in the early stages of the disease, mild headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting often occur, but the symptoms are relatively mild and most can be tolerated. As the disease gradually progresses and the tumor volume begins to increase, it compresses the surrounding brain tissue and cranial nerves, causing the patient to exhibit certain degrees of headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and other clinical manifestations. As the tumor volume further increases and cerebral edema becomes apparent with elevated intracranial pressure, it may lead to cranial nerve dysfunction in patients. For instance, it might trigger epileptic seizures or cause patients to experience hemiplegia, aphasia, and other clinical manifestations. Once these symptoms occur, it is advisable to visit a local hospital early for treatment.

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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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Neuroblastoma in children

Neuroblastoma does not specifically concern how old the child is, as it can occur in children during their developmental process, and even in newborns, adolescents, and adults. There is no specific timing required for its occurrence. Therefore, for neuroblastoma, the principle is to initiate treatment as soon as it is detected. Although the prognosis may not be very good, the aim should be to extend the patient's life and reduce suffering as much as possible. After all, no matter the age, the patient is a loved one.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How to check for neuroblastoma?

For the examination of neuroblastoma, we generally recommend a neurological examination to help determine whether there are any clear positive signs, as well as to inquire about medical history and family history to judge if there are any cases of neuroblastoma among family members. Additionally, detailed laboratory tests, routine blood tests, routine urine tests, and biochemical tests, including tumor-related diagnostics, can help in making assessments. Of course, the most accurate and crucial examinations are CT or MRI scans of the head. If necessary, an enhanced MRI scan of the head can be conducted to further evaluate the location, nature, severity of the tumor, and its relationship with the surrounding neural and vascular tissues, which helps provide a basis for further surgical treatment.