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Neuroblastoma

Tests for neuroblastoma

Source: NHS

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A number of tests may be carried out if it's thought your child could have neuroblastoma.

These tests may include:

  • a urine test to check for certain chemicalsproduced by neuroblastoma cellsthat are found in urine
  • scans such as ultrasound scans , computerised tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of various parts of the body to look at these areasin detail
  • an mIBG scan this involves the injection of a substancetaken up by neuroblastoma cells
  • a biopsy the removal of a sample of cells from the tumour tissue for examination under a microscope so the type of cancer can be identified; thesample is usually removed under general anaesthetic using a special needle
  • bone marrow biopsies to see if there are cancer cells in the bone marrow

Once these tests have been completed, it will usually be possible to confirm if the diagnosis is neuroblastoma and determine what stage it is.

Articles for Neuroblastoma

Introduction

Find out what neuroblastoma is, what the symptoms are, how it's diagnosed and how it's treated.

Stages of neuroblastoma

As with most cancers, neuroblastoma is given a stage. This indicates if it has spread and, if so, how far. The staging system used for neuroblastoma is: stage L1 the cancer is just in one place a

Support groups and charities

Being told your child has cancer can be a distressing and daunting experience. You may find it useful to contact a support group or charity, such as: Cancer Research UK Children's Cancer and Le

Symptoms of neuroblastoma

The symptoms of neuroblastoma vary depending on where the cancer is and whether it has spread. The early symptoms can be vague and hard to spot, and can easily be mistaken for those of more common chi

Tests for neuroblastoma

A number of tests may be carried out if it's thought your child could have neuroblastoma. These tests may include: a urine test to check for certain chemicalsproduced by neuroblastoma cellsthat ar

Treatment and outlook for neuroblastoma

The main treatments for neuroblastoma are: surgery to remove the cancer sometimes this may be all that's needed chemotherapy (where medication is used to kill cancer cells) this may be the on