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Neuroblastoma

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Treatment:

Treatment varies depending on the location of the tumor, the extent of tumor spread and the age of the patient. In certain cases, surgery alone is enough, but often other therapies are needed. Anticancer medications ( chemotherapy ) may be recommended if the tumor is widespread. Radiation therapy may also be used.

Support Groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group .

Expectations (prognosis):

The expected outcome varies. In very young children with neuroblastoma, the tumor may go away on its own, without any treatment, or the tissues of the tumor may mature and develop into a benign ganglioneuroma that can be surgically removed. In other cases, the tumor spreads rapidly.

Response to treatment is variable. Treatment is often successful if the cancer has not spread, but if there has been spread to other areas, neuroblastoma is much harder to cure.

Complications:

• Spread ( metastasis ) of the tumor
• Damage and loss of function of involved organ(s)
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Loss of blood cells produced by the bone marrow
  • Decreased resistance to infection
  • Other organ system failures

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate neuroblastoma may be present. Early diagnosis and treatment improves the chance of a good outcome.

• Review Date: 5/22/2006
• Reviewed By: Adam S. Levy, MD, Director, Fellowship Training Program, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx,NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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