Like many cancers, the sooner neuroblastoma is diagnosed, the greater the chance for successful treatment and recovery. According to MayoClinic.com, neuroblastoma, a cancer that strikes the nerve cells, is the most common cancer found in babies. Prognosis depends upon the stage of the cancer when detected and the age of the child. Although it may occur in any part of the body, this cancer frequently targets the adrenal glands, developing initially in the immature (neuroblasts) of an unborn fetus. Neuroblastoma is more likely to occur if other family members have the disease, although many cases have no identifiable cause.
Tumors
A neuroblastoma tumor originates in a nerve cell, growing silently until it appears as non-sensitive lump, most commonly found in the abdomen, neck or chest. In babies, small blue bumps, resembling blueberries, may appear just under the infant's thin skin. If a tumor in the abdomen is not detected early, the child's midsection may swell as the tumor grows.
Digestive system
Among the earliest symptoms of neuroblastoma are changes in the child's appetite and bowel movement habits. He may pick at his food or refuse to eat if the tumor puts pressure on his stomach. In addition, he may become constipated or experience diarrhea. As his appetite wanes, he may lose weight.
Eyes
According to Cancer.org, nearly two-thirds of all neuroblastoma cases spread from the initial site of the first tumor to other areas of the child's body before a diagnosis is made. When the nerves of the face are involved, the child may experience involuntary twitching of the eyes or the muscles around the eyes; he may have dark circles around his eyes, resembling a "raccoon"; and as the pressure increases behind the eyeball, it may protrude. The eyelids may appear droopy.
Bleeding
If the neuroblastoma spreads to the bones, the marrow may be affected, resulting in a decreased number of blood platelets and red blood cells. This may cause a reduced blood clotting ability and the child may bleed excessively from very small cuts or scrapes.
Pain
Although most neuroblastoma tumors are painless to the touch, they may put pressure on adjacent nerves or organs, causing back pain, abdominal pain or generalized bone pain. Leg pain and swelling may result from compression on the spinal cord.
Tags: around eyes, nerve cells