Neuroblastoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Nerve cancer or Neuroblastoma is cancer that originates from nerve cells that can occur in various areas of the body. Generally, neuroblastoma is experienced by children aged five years and under.
If your child is diagnosed with neuroblastoma, give him full support. Also, try to keep the child’s life as ‘normal’ as possible and always be by his side whenever undergoing therapy. Avoid looking weak or showing sadness in front of your child.
There is no prevention for neuroblastoma, especially in children. Whereas in adults, the risk of cancer can be reduced through lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, maintaining diet, and maintaining ideal body weight).
Symptom
Symptoms of nerve cancer or neuroblastoma depend on the origin and spread of the tumor, such as:
- Cancer originating from the stomach will usually cause symptoms in the form of an enlarged stomach, feeling full in the stomach, abdominal pain, difficulty defecating and urinating, and blood pressure can also increase.
- Cancer that has spread to the bones will cause bone pain.
- Cancer that has spread to the bone marrow causes a reduced number of red blood cells resulting in anemia, a reduced number of platelets making it easy to bruise, a reduced number of white blood cells making it susceptible to infection.
- Cancer that has spread to the skin can cause lumps to form on the skin.
- Cancer that has spread to the lungs can cause respiratory problems.
- Cancer that has spread to the spinal cord can cause weakness in the arms and legs, making it difficult for sufferers to walk.
Other neuroblastoma symptoms that may be found are:
- pale skin
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Constant fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Unwell that lasts for weeks or months
- Excessive sweating
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Fussy
Reason
Until now, the cause of nerve cancer or neuroblastoma is not known with certainty. However, there is a possibility that this disease is closely related to genetic factors.
Diagnosis
Procedures performed to diagnose nerve cancer or neuroblastoma, including:
- Physical examination
- Examination of urine and blood
- Bone marrow examination
- Retrieval of body tissue
- Other examinations, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI
Complications
Complications of nerve cancer or neuroblastoma that can occur include:
- Spread of cancer to other areas of the body, such as lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, skin, and bones.
- Pressure on the nerves in the spine which can cause pain and paralysis.
- paraneoplastic syndrome.
Treatment
Treatment for nerve cancer or neuroblastoma varies, depending on the patient’s age, location, size, and spread of the tumor.
If the cancer has not spread, it is usually removed surgically. For cancer that is large or has spread, chemotherapy or radiation therapy will be given. However, if the cancer has spread to several organs of the body or is at high risk, external radiotherapy is usually given.
It is also important is adequate nutrition. Even though children often have difficulty eating (because of nausea from the effects of chemotherapy), make sure they still get a balanced nutritional intake.