What Are the Symptoms of Neuroblastoma?
What Are the Symptoms of Neuroblastoma? Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer mostly found in small kids. It starts when nerve cells grow out of control. If your child feels very tired, has lumps under the skin or bone pain, you might worry it’s neuroblastoma. A doctor can check these signs and tell if cancer or something else is causing them.
Doctors use many tests to find out if a child has neuroblastoma. They look at how much the disease has spread to plan treatment. Treatment often helps kids get better and may include different methods depending on what doctors find.
It’s hard for parents when their child gets sick with something as serious as cancer. Knowing more about the symptoms can help catch it early. Early care can make a big difference in getting your kid back to health.
Common Symptoms
Neuroblastoma symptoms in children can be hard to spot. They might seem like less serious illnesses at first. Signs of this cancer include lumps in the neck, chest, or belly that you can feel when touching. These lumps may not hurt but they are a key warning sign.
Children with neuroblastoma often feel very tired and do not want to play. They may also lose weight without trying or have fevers that come and go without reason. If your child has these signs it’s important to see a doctor right away for a diagnosis.
Sometimes neuroblastoma causes bone pain which makes kids limp or not want to walk. Bruising around the eyes is another sign that parents should watch out for. It’s vital to catch these symptoms early on so treatment can start as soon as possible.
Doctors diagnose neuroblastoma with tests like scans and lab work after seeing these signs in children. If your kid shows any of these common symptoms ask their doctor about getting checked for this type of cancer quickly.
Unusual Symptoms
Neuroblastoma can show up in ways that are not typical. Some of these unusual signs might be easy to miss. For example high blood pressure is a less common symptom of this pediatric cancer. Kids might also have sudden changes in their eyes like drooping eyelids or unequal pupil sizes.
Another rare sign is skin changes where the tumor is growing. The child might have red or purple spots on the skin called petechiae. These unusual symptoms point to issues under the surface such as tumors pressing on blood vessels.
In some cases neuroblastoma affects how the body makes hormones. This may cause unexpected problems like fast heartbeat or sweating a lot even when it’s not hot. Such signs could suggest something more serious than just being nervous or active.
If your child has any strange health changes along with other neuroblastoma symptoms it’s best to see a doctor quickly for tests and diagnosis. Even though these signs are rare they can help doctors find out if there’s an issue early on which helps with treatment options later.
Progression of Symptoms
As neuroblastoma gets worse the symptoms can change and become more severe. At first signs might be mild like small aches or fevers. But as cancer grows, pain can spread to other parts of the body, such as bones and joints. This happens when the tumor moves from its original spot to new places a process called metastasis.
Children with advanced stages of neuroblastoma may also show signs of weakness or numbness in their legs. This is because growing tumors can press on nerves or spinal cord areas. When kids have trouble walking or feel changes in their bodies like these it’s important to tell a doctor fast.
Another sign that neuroblastoma has progressed includes anemia which makes kids look pale and feel even more tired than before. They might not want to eat much either and could start losing weight without trying. These are all clues for parents and doctors that the disease may be in later stages needing quick action.
Treatment Effects
Treating neuroblastoma often involves chemotherapy which can cause its own symptoms. Kids might feel sick to their stomachs or throw up because of the medicine. Hair loss is also common with chemotherapy but remember it grows back after treatment ends. These side effects are tough but they’re signs that treatment is working against the cancer.
Radiation therapy targets cancer cells in a specific area and can also lead to side effects. The skin where the radiation beam enters may look red or sore much like a sunburn. Some children feel very tired during this part of their treatment plan as well. It’s important for them to rest and heal during this time.
Surgery is another way doctors treat neuroblastoma and it comes with risks too. After surgery pain at the cut site is normal while healing happens inside the body. Kids need special care after an operation so that they can recover without any problems from surgery.
Supportive Care
Supportive care is vital for children dealing with neuroblastoma. It focuses on making kids as comfortable as possible. This includes managing pain and other symptoms of the disease or treatment side effects. Palliative care teams work closely with families to create a plan that fits each child’s needs.
Pain management is a key part of supportive care in cancer treatments. Medicines like painkillers help keep kids from feeling too much discomfort. Non-drug methods, such as massage or relaxation techniques, are also used to ease pain without more medicine.
Psychosocial support helps children and their families cope with the emotional stress of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Counselors, social workers, and support groups provide spaces where feelings can be shared safely. Kids often feel better when they talk about what they’re going through.What Are the Symptoms of Neuroblastoma?
Good nutrition is another important aspect of supportive care for young patients with neuroblastoma symptoms. Dietitians can suggest foods that are easy on the stomach but still give all the needed nutrients during illness and recovery periods after therapy sessions end successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer most common in young children. It starts in early nerve cells and can grow in the belly, chest, or spine.
How do doctors find out if my child has neuroblastoma?
Doctors use tests like scans and lab work to see if it's neuroblastoma. They look at where the tumor is and how big it has grown.
What are some treatment options for neuroblastoma?
Treatment might include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a mix. Each child's care plan depends on their case.
