Neuroblastoma & Ganglioneuroma

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body.

Neuroblastoma most commonly arises in and around the adrenal glands, which have similar origins to nerve cells and sit atop the kidneys. However, neuroblastoma can also develop in other areas of the abdomen and in the chest, neck and near the spine, where groups of nerve cells exist.

Neuroblastoma most commonly affects children age 5 or younger, though it may rarely occur in older children.

Some forms of neuroblastoma go away on their own, while others may require multiple treatments. Your child's neuroblastoma treatment options will depend on several factors.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma vary depending on what part of the body is affected.

Neuroblastoma in the abdomen — the most common form — may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Abdominal pain
• A mass under the skin that isn't tender when touched
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation

Neuroblastoma in the chest may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Changes to the eyes, including drooping eyelids and unequal pupil size

Ganglioneuroma

Ganglioneuroma is a tumor of the autonomic nervous system.

Causes

Ganglioneuromas are rare tumors that most often start in autonomic nerve cells. Autonomic nerves manage body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, bowel and bladder emptying, and digestion. The tumors are usually noncancerous (benign).

Ganglioneuromas usually occur in people over 10 years of age. They grow slowly, and may release certain chemicals or hormones.