DONATE TODAY!
Make a donation
Get emotional support
Get financial help
Mitchell's Miracles Charity
  • Home
    • About
    • Mitchells story
  • What is Neuroblastoma
    • In memory
    • Trustees and Partnerships
  • Apply For Support
    • Children with neuroblastoma
    • Directory For Further Help
    • FAQ's
  • Get Involved
    • Give as you live
    • Go Gold For Childhood Cancer
  • Contact
    • Shop
    • Blog
    • Areas we cover

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.
​
Mitchells story

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.
Info graphic_signs and symptoms of Neuroblastoma_Mitchells Miracles_Neuroblastoma childrens cancer charity for the UK
Download our document for a deeper insight into the protocol for treating stage 4 Neuroblastoma.

The Signs and Symptoms of Neuroblastoma Childhood Cancer

The 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

Picture
Section divider type: waves -- position: bottom
Get in touch

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.
Donate today
​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

childrens charity romford | childrens charity cranham | childrens charity upminster | childrens charity elm park | childrens charity gidea park | childrens charity harold wood | childrens charity havering atte-bower | childrens charity noak hill | childrens charity north ockendon 
01708 751466
Donate now
[email protected]
QUICK LINKS
Home
About
​
Mitchells Story

What is Neuroblastoma
In Memory
Trustees and Supporters

Apply for Support
Children with Neuroblastoma
FAQs
​Get involved
Shop
Areas we cover
Blog 
​Contact us
Privacy policy
Bereavement grant
Picture
Picture
​Opening hours: Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
Telephone: ​01708 751 466 ​
​Mitchell's Miracles is a registered charity in England & Wales (1152726).  
​Head office: 
Lambourne House, 7 Western Road, 7th Floor, Suite B, 
Romford, RM1 3LD
© 2024 Mitchell's Miracles  Essex Website Designers 
Site powered by Perfect Layout Digital Marketing
  • Home
    • About
    • Mitchells story
  • What is Neuroblastoma
    • In memory
    • Trustees and Partnerships
  • Apply For Support
    • Children with neuroblastoma
    • Directory For Further Help
    • FAQ's
  • Get Involved
    • Give as you live
    • Go Gold For Childhood Cancer
  • Contact
    • Shop
    • Blog
    • Areas we cover