Age of onset of neuroblastoma

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on January 13, 2025
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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 examination items

For neuroblastoma, the examination items mainly include the patient's vital signs and physical examination, including detailed examinations to observe if there are any obvious pathological signs. Additionally, it is necessary to inquire about the patient’s medical history, especially past medical history and family history. Main examination items include laboratory tests, routine blood and urine tests, biochemistry, and tumor-related tests. Furthermore, examinations also involve using a cranial CT scan, MRI of the head, and if necessary, an enhanced MRI scan of the head, to further determine the presence of neuroblastoma, as well as its location, quantity, and the relationship between the surrounding tissues, blood vessels, and nerves.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Causes of Neuroblastoma

Currently, there is no definitive conclusion about the specific causes of neuroblastoma, but most scholars believe that the occurrence of neuroblastoma is the result of congenital genetic factors combined with acquired factors. For patients with neuroblastoma, there is often a family history of genetic diseases showing a familial clustering tendency. In addition, poor living environments and habits, including exposure to radioactive contamination or prolonged exposure to electromagnetic radiation, may also contribute to the development of neuroblastoma.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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How to avoid neuroblastoma

To avoid neuroblastoma, it is recommended to develop good living habits in daily life, including maintaining over 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day to keep physically healthy. Additionally, it is advisable to consume more fruits rich in vitamin C, which contain abundant vitamins that can effectively serve as antioxidants. Keeping good sleep habits, going to bed early and waking up early, avoiding staying up late and long durations of using mobile phones or computers to minimize excessive exposure to electromagnetic radiation. In daily life, one should also learn self-protection, avoid contact with carcinogenic chemicals, and avoid excessive exposure to radioactive pollution. All these measures can effectively prevent the condition.

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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
Neurosurgery
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Late-stage symptoms of neuroblastoma

For patients with neuroblastoma, they often experience significant symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The intracranial pressure continuously rises, leading to noticeable optic atrophy, vision loss, and visual field defects. When the tumor volume further increases, it may also compress the surrounding tissues, causing apparent cranial nerve dysfunction. Moreover, in the late stages of the disease, the tumor can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream, forming metastases. Additionally, it is likely to disseminate through the cerebrospinal fluid.