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. Neuroblastoma most commonly affects children age 5 or younger, though it may rarely occur in older children.

Sometimes it stops making just one type, but more often you become low on all three : Red and White Cells, and Platelets.

Anemia is also linked to cancer in some cases — both in terms of anemia being a symptom and in terms of cancer treatment. Both Radiation and Chemotherapy can cause anemia.

Symptoms of Neuroblastoma include :



• Irritability
• Bone Pain
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• A Swollen Belly
• Back Pain
• Weakness
• Fever
• Loss of Appetite, Weight Loss

Complications of Neuroblastoma may include :



• Spread of the Cancer (metastasis): Neuroblastoma may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, skin and bones.
• Spinal Cord Compression : Tumors may grow and press on the spinal cord, causing spinal cord compression. Spinal cord compression may cause pain and paralysis.
• Tumor Secretions : Neuroblastoma cells may secrete certain chemicals that irritate other normal tissues, causing signs and symptoms called paraneoplastic syndromes. One paraneoplastic syndrome that occurs rarely in people with Neuroblastoma causes rapid eye movements and difficulty with coordination. Another rare syndrome causes abdominal swelling and diarrhea.