Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancerous tumor affecting infants and young children, begins in the sympathetic nerve tissues, or the nerves responsible for the body's emergency "fight or flight" response. In the United States, about 600 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year. It is the most common tumor found in children younger than 1 year of age.

Although these tumors may be present at birth, they often aren't detected until they've grown and compressed surrounding organs or have spread to lymph nodes, bones, the central nervous sytem or bone marrow. In rare cases, neuroblastoma can be detected before birth by a fetal ultrasound.

The tumor usually begins in the tissues of the adrenal glands found in the abdomen. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. These glands secrete hormones and other important substances that are required for normal functions in the body such as the nervous system. The tumor also may begin in nerve tissue next to the spine in the neck, chest or pelvis.

Symptoms may include a firm mass in the abdomen, difficulty breathing, anemia, weight loss, fever, bone pain, protruding eyes or dark circles around the eyes and neurological symptoms such as paralysis, difficulty swallowing or uncontrolled eye movements.

Our cancer specialists are leaders in the treatment of neuroblastoma and in national research projects to find a cure.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
Children's Cancer and Blood Disease Program (415) 476-3831

For assistance finding a doctor, please contact:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007