Neuroblastoma
Treatment and outlook for neuroblastoma
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
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 only treatment needed or it may be given to shrink the cancer before surgery
- radiotherapy (where radiation is used to kill cancer cells) this may sometimes be used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the affected area
- high-dose chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant where stem cells from your child are collected, frozen and stored prior to intensive chemotherapy, and are given back to them afterwards
- immunotherapy where a medication that directly targets the neuroblastoma cells is given,although this isn't used routinely yet
Some babies and infants less than 18 months old with either stage L1 or Ms neuroblastoma who have no symptoms may not need any treatment, as the cancer can sometimes go away on its own.
The outlook for neuroblastoma varies considerably, and is generally better for younger children whose cancer hasn't spread. Your doctors will be able to give you more specific information about your child.
Almost half of neuroblastomas are a type that can return despite intensive treatment.Further treatment will often be necessary in these cases.
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