Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor composed of embryonic nerve cells. Neuroblastoma can form in any part of the sympathetic nervous system, but most often occurs in the adrenal medulla. Neuroblastoma metastases can spread to bones and other organs.

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common solid tumors in children. It most often affects children under 5 years of age. The causes of neuroblastoma are not completely clear; genetic mutations are believed to be the basis.

Diagnosis of neuroblastoma is based on imaging methods (ultrasound, CT, MRI), analysis of tumor markers and biopsy. Treatment depends on the stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The prognosis depends on many factors; with early diagnosis, the outcome can be favorable.

Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor that develops from immature nerve cells (neuroblasts). These cells should normally develop into mature nerve cells, but in neuroblastoma they begin to divide uncontrollably and form a tumor.

Neuroblastoma most often occurs before age 5 years and is one of the most common solid tumors in childhood. The tumor can form in any part of the sympathetic nervous system, but in 65% of cases it is localized in the adrenal glands.

The main symptoms of neuroblastoma include abdominal pain, weight loss, and fever. The tumor can cause compression of the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis and sensory loss. Metastases most often spread to the bones, bone marrow, lymph nodes and liver.

Diagnosis of neuroblastoma includes laboratory and instrumental studies - blood and urine tests, ultrasound, CT, MRI, radioisotope scanning. Treatment depends on the stage and characteristics of the tumor and may include surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The prognosis of the disease is largely determined by the patient's age at the time of diagnosis.

Neuroblatoma

**Neuroblastomas** are malignant tumors that contain embryogenic nerve cells, for example, from the sympathetic or parasympathetic ganglia. In addition, neurogliomabrain, like other tumors of the nervous system, are often genetically or metagenetically associated with mutations of the MYCN gene. The tumor tends to grow inward along the suture between the two parts of the medulla oblongata.

Symptoms

It is believed that the vast majority of neuroblastomas (more than 90% of cases) are primary tumors, i.e. grow directly in the zone of their precursor cells - neuroblasts, which are located in the lateral horns of the sympathetic trunk. The remaining tumors of the neurogenic line are usually classified as metastatic, secondary tumors. Symptoms of neuroblastoma are characterized by the following features: * lag in speech development in the child, the formation of logophobic disorders; * convulsive conditions, which are expressed in violent movements of the facial muscles and articulatory apparatus; * complaints from children: headaches, fatigue, complaints and unmotivated mood swings. It is possible to show signs of photophobia, anxiety and irritability even for no apparent reason;

Features of the course: children, despite such a set of symptoms, can accurately assess their condition. General weight loss, anemia, lower hemoglobin levels compared to age-related norms. Damage to the pancreas leads to frequent fountain vomiting. If the tumor is localized in the adrenal glands, the development of oliguria occurs. In this case, a small amount of urine is produced, and acetone is detected in it. The adrenal glands are also affected by metastases in the brain, the skin becomes marbled, jaundice appears, blood pressure rises, and mental disorders occur. Metastasis to the skeletal system leads to pain in the spine