DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Neuroblastoma
The most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood, arising from neural crest cells of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic nervous system. Highly variable clinical behavior ranging from spontaneous regression to aggressive metastatic disease.
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Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Biopsy
- 2Imaging (CT, MRI, PET)
- 3Tumor markers
- 4Genetic testing
- 5Endoscopy
- 6Blood tests
- 7Screening programs
Prognosis
Highly variable by risk stratification. Low-risk (infants with stage 4S, favorable biology): >95% survival with observation or minimal therapy. Intermediate-risk: 90-95% survival with moderate chemotherapy. High-risk (MYCN-amplified, age >18 months, metastatic): 40-50% survival despite intensive multimodal therapy. GD2 immunotherapy improves outcomes in high-risk disease. Late relapses occur; surveillance for 5+ years. Survivors face hearing loss, growth delay, and secondary malignancies.
Prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Sun protection
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Vaccination (HPV, HBV)
- Screening programs
- Limit alcohol
- Maintain healthy weight
Research Status
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant. Immunotherapy (dinutuximab) and MIBG therapy. Observation alone for low-risk. Survival >95% for low-risk, 40-50% for high-risk. Genomic profiling guiding treatment.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.cancer.gov
- https://www.who.int/cancer
- https://www.cancer.org
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.