Neuroblastoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the nervous system that is often found in childhood. This type of cancer can grow in various parts of the body.
Neuroblastoma represents 7–10% of all malignancies diagnosed in pediatric patients younger than 15 years of age. Generally, neuroblastoma is experienced by children aged five years and under.
Symptom
Neuroblastoma patients usually show symptoms and signs according to the location of the disease. Most neuroblastomas occur in the abdominal cavity. Because of that, one of the symptoms complained of is a mass or lump in the stomach. Apart from that, this lump can also cause various complaints such as shortness of breath due to pressure on the lungs or abdominal pain.
Cancer in the neck and thoracic cavity will cause shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing. Meanwhile, complaints of tumors that have spread to the bone marrow can cause paralysis and pain.
Reason
Like other types of cancer, until now the cause of neuroblastoma is still uncertain. But basically, cancer occurs due to mutations or abnormal growth of cells in the body.
Several risk factors are associated with the growth of cancer cells. Starting from genetic factors, lifestyle, to the environment.
Diagnosis
Determining the diagnosis of neuroblastoma starts from a medical interview and physical examination. If the neuroblastoma is located in the abdominal cavity, the patient usually complains of a lump in the stomach, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
Neuroblastoma can produce catecholamine hormones which can be detected in the blood. After that, imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasound and abdominal CT scan can be used to show a picture of the mass in the stomach. CT Scan examination can be used to assist in taking tissue samples or biopsies.
Treatment
Treatment for nerve cancer or neuroblastoma varies, depending on various factors. For example, the patient’s age, location, size, and tumor spread.
In the early stages, where the size of the cancer is still small and can be removed, surgery is the main treatment option. But in tumors that have spread, the options to choose from are chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Prevention
There is no specific prevention for neuroblastoma. Whereas in adults, the risk of cancer in general can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle such as stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and ideal body weight.