NEUROBLASTOMA

Symptoms of neuroblastoma

Symptoms of neuroblastoma include:

abdominal pain and distention;

pain in the bones;

loss of appetite;

general malaise;

fever;

diarrhea.

Depending on the location of the tumor there may be:

hypertension due to catecholamines by the tumor that are powerful vasoconstricting agents;

dilated liver;

swollen eyes, one pupil smaller than the other;

absence of sweat

Diagnosis of neuroblastoma can be done by examining the complete blood count and other blood tests, as well as performing chest x-ray and abdomen examinations, computed tomography, aspiration, and bone marrow biopsy to search for malignant cells.

Treatment for neuroblastoma

The treatment against neuroblastoma consists of ingestion of drugs (chemotherapy), surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplantation may be indicated in many cases. The therapy instituted will depend on the staging of the cancer, which according to the International Neuroblastoma System is:

Stage I - Localized disease, with complete surgical resection.

Stage II - Regional disease, unilateral, with incomplete resection or positive lymph nodes.

Stage III - Tumor that crosses the midline of the body.

Stage IV - Distant metastases.

Stage IV S - Primary tumor in stages I or II, with metastases to the liver, skin and / or bone marrow, without radiographic evidence of bone involvement. This special stage is only used on very young children (under 1 year of age).

There is a greater chance of cure for those suffering from stage I, II and III neuroblastoma.

Useful link:

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