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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThis type of cancer forms in the early form of nerve cells, known as neuroblasts. As the fetus develops, neuroblasts grow and become mature cells. But a problem can arise; instead of becoming mature cells, the neuroblasts may continue to grow and divide. While these abnormal cells usually die in infancy, in rare instances they can develop into tumors known as a neuroblastoma<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts do not know why some cells turn into cancer. Some believe it\nis related to a genetic mutation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A neuroblastoma can form anywhere in the body but usually develops in\nnerve cells that are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which includes the\nspine, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. They are also common in the tissue of\nthe adrenal glands above the kidneys. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Neuroblastomas account for six percent of all childhood cancers. Each\nyear there are about 800 new cases in the U.S. Nearly 90 percent of all cases\nof this cancer are diagnosed by the age of five, with the majority of patients\nbeing one to two years old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These symptoms vary based on the size and location of the cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The cancer is often discovered when a parent or doctors notices or feels a bump on the child\u2019s body. In order to make an official diagnosis, a urine test and imaging<\/a> are ordered first. Eventually a biopsy is performed and a piece of tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The recommended treatment is based on the child\u2019s risk category. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCommon Neuroblastoma Symptoms <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Cancer is Diagnosed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Neuroblastoma Treatment <\/h2>\n\n\n\n