Risk of neuroblastoma
Screening tests for neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that primarily affects children. It begins in nerve tissue in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. It usually originates in the abdomen in the tissues of the adrenal gland. By the time it is diagnosed, the cancer often has spread, most commonly to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bones, and/or bone marrow.

Neuroblastoma is the most common type of cancer in infants. The number of new cases of neuroblastoma is greatest among children under 1 year of age and decreases rapidly with age. Males are affected slightly more commonly than females.

Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor. The risk factors for neuroblastoma have not yet been established.

Urine samples can be tested for the presence of specific chemicals that are excreted by most patients with neuroblastoma. Most cases of neuroblastoma are diagnosed before 6 months of age.

It is thought that many neuroblastomas are present and detectable at birth. Studies have suggested devising a once-in-a-lifetime screening test, such as those used for screening newborns for noncancerous conditions, such as phenylketonuria. At this time, however, there is no good scientific evidence showing that screening for neuroblastoma leads to a decrease in deaths from the disease.

Glossary Terms

The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.

A small gland that makes steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These hormones help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other important body functions. There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. Also called suprarenal gland.

The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

A large organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.

One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.

A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.

A bundle of fibers that receives and sends messages between the body and the brain. The messages are sent by chemical and electrical changes in the cells that make up the nerves.

Cancer that arises in immature nerve cells and affects mostly infants and children.

The lower part of the abdomen, located between the hip bones.

Something that may increase the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer include age, a family history of certain cancers, use of tobacco products, certain eating habits, obesity, lack of exercise, exposure to radiation or other cancer-causing agents, and certain genetic changes.

Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. Since screening may find diseases at an early stage, there may be a better chance of curing the disease. Examples of cancer screening tests are the mammogram (breast), colonoscopy (colon), Pap smear (cervix), and PSA blood level and digital rectal exam (prostate). Screening can also include checking for a person’s risk of developing an inherited disease by doing a genetic test.

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.