Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that originates in nerve tissue of the adrenal gland, neck, chest, or spinal cord. This type of cancer often begins in early childhood, usually in children younger than 5 years of age. Sometimes neuroblastoma forms before birth and is found during a fetal ultrasound.

Usually, however, neuroblastoma is diagnosed after it has metastasized. This form of cancer spreads most often to the lymph nodes, bones, bone marrow, liver, and in infants, skin.

Approximately 650 children in the United States are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year, according to estimates from the National Cancer Institute.

Neuroblastoma is sometimes inherited – a gene mutation for the disease can be passed from the parent to the child. This inherited form of neuroblastoma usually occurs at a younger age than neuroblastoma that is not inherited.

Neuroblastoma Screening (PDQ®) Neuroblastoma Treatment (PDQ®)

Source: National Cancer Institute