How to check for neuroblastoma?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 09, 2024
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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.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Neuroblastoma treatment

Neuroblastoma is relatively considered a malignant tumor, and its growth rate is quite rapid. It often adheres to surrounding tissues in the early stages, which makes it very difficult to completely remove surgically. However, even so, it is still advisable to opt for surgical treatment once neuroblastoma is detected. The tumor should be completely removed surgically, and a small amount of tumor tissue should be retained for pathological examination after removal. Based on the results of the pathological examination, it will be determined whether additional treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy are needed. Furthermore, since some neuroblastomas are sensitive to radiotherapy, it is recommended to promptly take the patient to a local hospital for treatment after surgery.

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Neurosurgery
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What should be avoided in the diet for neuroblastoma?

Patients with neuroblastoma should be cautious with their diet and avoid foods that are overly greasy or spicy. It's also advisable to limit or avoid carbohydrate-rich or fried foods and those high in cholesterol. If the patient has allergies, they should avoid seafood products, which contain abundant animal proteins and can trigger allergic reactions, potentially leading to allergic dermatitis or allergic asthma. Additionally, some fruits, such as durian or mango, may also induce allergic reactions, so it is best to consume them sparingly or not at all.

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Neurosurgery
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Causes of Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a highly malignant tumor. In most cases, it is seen in neuroepithelial cells. Currently, there is no consensus on the specific causes of neuroblastoma. It is generally believed that congenital genetic factors, as well as mutations, gene deletions, and changes in tumor suppressor genes in patients, are greatly related. Acquired factors should not be ignored either, such as poor lifestyle and dietary habits. In most cases, the prognosis for neuroblastoma is poor, with patients having a short survival period. Most patients, even after undergoing surgical treatment, often experience poor outcomes and ultimately die from multi-organ dysfunction and failure.

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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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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.