Is neuroblastoma a tumor?
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that starts in early nerve cells called neuroblasts. Normally, these immature cells grow into working nerve cells. But in neuroblastoma (nur-oh-bla-STOW-muh), they grow uncontrollably and become cancer cells that form a solid tumor.
Is neuroblastoma a benign tumor?
Neuroblastoma is the most immature, undifferentiated, and malignant tumor of the three. Neuroblastoma, however, may have a relatively benign course, even when metastatic. Thus, these neuroblastic tumors vary widely in their biologic behavior.
Where are neuroblastoma tumors located?
Neuroblastomas are cancers that start in early nerve cells (called neuroblasts) of the sympathetic nervous system, so they can be found anywhere along this system. Most neuroblastomas begin in the abdomen, either in an adrenal gland or in sympathetic nerve ganglia.
Is neuroblastoma always malignant?
Neuroblastoma is a very rare type of cancerous tumor that almost always affects children. Neuroblastoma develops from nerve cells in the fetus called neuroblasts. Usually, as a fetus matures and after birth, the neuroblasts develop normally. Sometimes they become cancerous, causing neuroblastoma.
How long can a child live with neuroblastoma?
For children with low-risk neuroblastoma, the 5-year survival rate is higher than 95%. For children with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma, the 5-year survival rate is between 90% and 95%. For children with high-risk neuroblastoma, the-5-year survival rate is around 50%.
Are you born with neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma almost always develops before age 5. It can occur in babies before they are born.
Can a baby be born with neuroblastoma?
It is often present at birth, but not detected until the tumor begins to grow and compress the surrounding organs. Most kids affected by neuroblastoma have been diagnosed before the age of 5. In rare cases, neuroblastoma can be detected before birth by a fetal ultrasound.