What is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the specialised nerve cells, called neuro crest cells. These cells are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues. Neuroblastoma is a condition that can develop anywhere in the body, but it most often occurs in the adrenal glands that are in the abdomen. In some children, the Neuroblastoma occurs in the nerve tissue alongside the spinal cord, the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis.
Neuroblastoma is the most common form of embryonal tumour which is characterised by the proliferation of tissue that is only normally seen in the developing embryo. These tumours are mainly seen in very young children and is slightly more common in boys then in girls.
Neuroblastoma is the most common form of embryonal tumour which is characterised by the proliferation of tissue that is only normally seen in the developing embryo. These tumours are mainly seen in very young children and is slightly more common in boys then in girls.
The Causes of Childhood Neuroblastoma
The causes of Neuroblastoma are still unknown. Neuroblastoma accounts for six per cent of childhood registrations in the UK with around 100 diagnoses annually. As with all embryonal tumours, Neuroblastoma is the most common in children under the age of five years and extremely rare in children over the age of ten years. The incidence of Neuroblastoma is highest in under ones. It is the most single frequent type of cancer in the first year of life, accounting for one fifth of cancers in this age group.
Download our document for a deeper insight into the protocol for treating stage 4 Neuroblastoma.
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The Signs and Symptoms of Neuroblastoma Childhood CancerThe first symptoms of Neuroblastoma are vague and difficult to spot; such as loss of appetite, tiredness, and pains in the bones. Other symptoms vary depending on where the child's Neuroblastoma starts to grow.
Abdomen If Neuroblastoma begins in their abdomen, their tummy may be swollen and they may complain of constipation / diarrhoea or difficulty passing urine. Chest or neck If the tumour is in the chest or neck area the child may be breathless and have difficulty swallowing. Spinal cord If the tumour is pressing on the spinal cord, it may cause weakness in the legs. Other symptoms Deposits in the skin that appear as small blue coloured lumps Loss of appetite Fevers Sweating Tiredness Dark circles (bruising) around the eyes or even protruding of the eyeball |
Stages of Neuroblastoma
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Take action...
Please visit your GP if your child is presenting any of the above symptoms. Request a urine sample to check for VMA (Vanillylmandelic Acid) levels. A urine sample can detect VMA which is usually present in small fluctuating amounts that only increase appreciably during and shortly after the body is exposed to Neuroblastomas.
Unfortunately, many GPs are not educated on or have heard of Neuroblastoma childhood cancer. Our UK children’s charity Mitchells Miracles, is committed to spreading the word locally here in Romford, London; Essex and across the UK.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can offer you emotional support, financial assistance and a bereavement grant. Or, if you’d like to back our fundraising efforts check out our support us page or download our fundraising pack that is full of great ideas.
Unfortunately, many GPs are not educated on or have heard of Neuroblastoma childhood cancer. Our UK children’s charity Mitchells Miracles, is committed to spreading the word locally here in Romford, London; Essex and across the UK.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can offer you emotional support, financial assistance and a bereavement grant. Or, if you’d like to back our fundraising efforts check out our support us page or download our fundraising pack that is full of great ideas.
Our services can be accessed by people all over the UK. Local areas covered include:
As a local children’s charity based in Romford, London, it is our aim to raise awareness amongst the local and UK population about the early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer Neuroblastoma
As a local children’s charity based in Romford, London, it is our aim to raise awareness amongst the local and UK population about the early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer Neuroblastoma
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