MEDICAL INSIDER
DR RIA MASLOG
For SEPT 24, 2023
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor that originates
from neural crest cells.
This is the most common extracranial malignant
tumor in infancy in the United States. In the
Philippines, the relative frequency is 1.1% with an
incidence of 0.8 per million children. It is also noted
to have higher incidence among the males.
Clinically, neuroblastomas may present as a tumor
mass anywhere along the sympathetic nervous
system.
The most common site of origin is the abdomen.
Other sites include the mediastinum, cervical, or
pelvic mass.
Almost 25% of patients are diagnosed in the first
year of life and 50 to 60% occur among children
above 2 years old.
The first signs and symptoms are manifestations of
widespread disease like weight loss, irritability and
fever.
Others may have intractable diarrhea and or
hematologic abnormalities.
This tumor may spread by contiguous extension or
hematogenous or lymphatic routes.
They commonly metastasize to the bones, lymph
nodes, liver, bone marrow and subcutaneous tissue.
The two most important variables affecting
prognosis are stage and age. Patients with localized
disease (stage 1 and stage 2) have a good
prognosis whereas patients with advanced local
disease (stage 3) or with metastatic disease (stage
4) have a more guarded prognosis.