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General Information About Neuroblastoma Cancer
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Neuroblastoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in nerve tissue.
Neuroblastoma often begins in the nerve tissue of the adrenal glands. There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney, in the back of the upper abdomen. The adrenal glands make important hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and the way the body reacts to stress. Neuroblastoma may also begin in the abdomen, chest, spinal cord, or in nerve tissue near the spine in the neck.
Neuroblastoma most often begins during early childhood, usually in children younger than 5 years of age.
Most cases of neuroblastoma are
diagnosed before 1 year of age.
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. As children get older, the number of new cases
decreases. Neuroblastoma is slightly more common in males than
females.
Neuroblastoma sometimes forms before birth but is usually found later, when the tumor begins to grow and cause symptoms. In rare cases, neuroblastoma may be found before birth, by fetal ultrasound.
The risk factors for neuroblastoma are not known.
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