Oncological diseases can hardly be considered a rarity. And, unfortunately, even newborn children are often exposed to them. Why does a neuroblastoma occur? What it is? What are the symptoms of the disease? Are there effective treatments? These questions interest many.
Neuroblastoma - what is it?
Today, neuroblastoma is considered one of the most common types of tumors found in children. It is formed from cells that are precursors of neurons during fetal development. Most often, the disease is diagnosed at an early age - the first symptoms appear in 1-3 years. Much less often in children over ten years of age, a neuroblastoma is detected.
The causes of tumor formation are currently unknown. Numerous studies have shown only that the genetic inheritance of the baby is extremely important. Some scientists believe that the abnormal development of neuroblast cells is associated with exposure to the body of the negative factors of the external and internal environment. Most often, this formation is malignant, and not in every case is treatable.
Neuroblastoma: what is it? The main forms of the disease
Depending on the location, nature of growth and the specificity of cellular processes, such tumors are usually divided into several main groups.
- Sympatoblastoma is a malignant tumor, which, as a rule, is formed during intrauterine development. As a rule, it affects the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal glands.
- Melulloblastoma - such a neoplasm is located deep in the tissues of the cerebellum. The tumor quickly metastases to neighboring organs and is not amenable to surgical treatment due to specific localization.
- Neurofibrosarcoma affects parts of the sympathetic nervous system located in the abdominal cavity.
- Retinoblastoma is a neoplasm that affects the retina and quickly metastases to the brain.
Neuroblastoma and stages of its development
At the first stage of development, the tumor is located in the zone of the primary focus. With growth, the neoplasm spreads beyond the focus - this is the second stage. Subsequently, the tumor grows in size and affects nearby lymphatic vessels. Grade 4 neuroblastoma gives metastases to various organs, including the bone system, soft tissues and lymph nodes. As a rule, such a spread of malignant cells leads to the death of the child.
The main symptoms of neuroblastoma
The first signs of a tumor can hardly be called specific. In the initial stages, there is a lack of appetite, nausea and constipation. The skin has a pale shade. Sick children are moody. As the disease develops, excessive sweating develops, heart palpitations begin, and hair loss begins.
Further symptoms depend on the location of the tumor and the presence of metastases. For example, the growth of a tumor in the abdominal cavity is accompanied by a protrusion in the lumbar region or costal arches. Melluloblastoma causes impaired coordination.
Neuroblastoma treatment
Of course, at the first suspicion, it is worth contacting a qualified pediatric oncologist. Only a specialist knows how a neuroblastoma is formed, what it is and how to diagnose it correctly. For treatment, standard methods are used - surgical removal, radiation and chemotherapy. The prognosis for children with neuroblastoma of the first and second degree is quite good - correctly carried out treatment allows you to achieve a long stage of remission.