What is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. It most commonly affects babies and young children under the age of five. Tumours usually begin in the abdomen, often in the adrenal glands, but can also appear in the chest, pelvis or spine.
Neuroblastoma can behave in different ways depending on its risk group. Some tumours grow slowly or even shrink on their own, while others can spread quickly and require more intensive treatment.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on where the tumour is and may include:
- a swollen tummy or a noticeable lump
- pain, especially in the bones
- tiredness or looking pale
- changes in appetite or weight
- fever
- constipation or diarrhoea
- bruising around the eyes or eye changes (if the tumour has spread)
These symptoms can also be caused by many other common childhood conditions and do not necessarily mean cancer.
How is it Diagnosed?
If neuroblastoma is suspected, your child will be referred to a specialist centre. Tests may include:
- urine tests – looking for chemicals (catecholamines) produced by neuroblastoma cells
- ultrasound, MRI or CT scans – to assess the tumour
- MIBG scan – a special scan that identifies neuroblastoma cells throughout the body
- biopsy – to confirm the diagnosis and understand the tumour’s features
- bone marrow tests – to check whether the cancer has spread
These results help determine the neuroblastoma risk group and guide treatment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the neuroblastoma is low, intermediate or high risk. It may include one or more of the following:
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Low-Risk Neuroblastoma
Some low-risk tumours can be monitored closely as they may shrink naturally. Others are treated with surgery alone to remove the tumour. -
Intermediate-Risk Neuroblastoma
Typically treated with chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, followed by surgery to remove as much of it as possible. -
High-Risk Neuroblastoma
High-risk cases need a combination of treatments, which may include:
– chemotherapy to shrink the tumour
– surgery to remove as much of the tumour as safely possible
– high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplant
– radiotherapy
– immunotherapy to help the immune system target neuroblastoma cells
– retinoid therapy to prevent the cancer returning
Supportive Care
Your child may receive:
- medicines for sickness, appetite changes or pain
- antibiotics and infection prevention
- nutritional support
- physiotherapy or occupational therapy
- psychological and play support
- help with school and daily routines
Supportive care helps manage symptoms and side effects throughout treatment.
Monitoring Response
Scans, urine tests, bone marrow tests and blood tests are used to monitor how well treatment is working and to guide next steps.
Outlook & Support
Children with low- or intermediate-risk neuroblastoma generally have excellent outcomes. High-risk neuroblastoma is more challenging to treat, but advances in chemotherapy, stem cell transplant and immunotherapy continue to improve long-term results.
During treatment your child will be cared for by a specialist children’s cancer team. Help is available with managing side effects, school, emotional wellbeing and practical concerns.
Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund will support your whole family from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.
Key Facts
- Common Age: Mostly affects children under 5
- Survival: Ranges from very high (low-risk) to around 40–50% for high-risk disease
- How common? One of the most common solid tumours in young children
