15 Signs of Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops in the immature or developing nerve cells all around the body. Neuroblastoma most prominently manifests around dor in the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are similar to nerve cells in terms of origins and are located on top of your kidneys.

That said, neuroblastoma can also manifest in other areas of your body including the spine, neck, chest, and abdomen. It will develop in areas where nerve cells are present. Neuroblastoma prominently affects children below the age of five, but it could also occur in older kids in some cases.

There are some types of neuroblastoma that resolve themselves whereas other varieties could require various forms of treatment. The type of treatment that needs to be administered is dependent on various factors. There are a few telltale signs that a child may have neuroblastoma, and today we’re going to explore eight of these signs.

1. A painless lump in neck or abdomen

Painless lumps in the abdomen or neck could be one sign that neuroblastoma is developing in your child. Children who have the hereditary form of neuroblastoma will develop tumors in various parts of their bodies at the same time.

Conversely, those who have the sporadic, non-familial form of neuroblastoma will develop either a sole tumor in one spot or a tumor that moves from one area to the next over the course of a few days, weeks or even months. If you notice a lump in the abdomen or neck of your child, ask them if it is painful. If they say it isn’t painful, it may be a sign that they have developed neuroblastoma and you should bring them to their pediatrician to get them checked immediately.

Bear in mind that you don’t need to panic if you find a lump in either of these locations as there are other non-cancerous things that might have caused them.