Neuroblastoma

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Neuroblastoma in the liver - CT scan

• Pale skin
• Dark circles around the eyes
• Chronic fatigue, excessive tiredness lasting for weeks to months
• Diarrhea
• Enlarged abdomen (particularly if spread to the liver)
  • Abdominal mass
  • Swollen abdomen
• Bone pain or tenderness (if the cancer spreads to the bones)
• Difficulty breathing (if the cancer spreads to the chest)
• General discomfort or uneasiness (malaise) lasting for weeks or months
• Flushed, red skin
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid pulse (tachycardia)
• uncontrolled eye movements
• Loss of movement (paralysis) of the hips, legs, or feet (lower extremities)
• Uncoordinated movement
• Irritability or poor temper control

Signs vary depending on the location of the tumor. Examination of the abdomen with the hands (palpation) may find a mass. The liver may be enlarged, if the tumor has spread to the liver. Adrenal gland tumors can cause high blood pressure and a fast heart rate.

Testing reveals the original (primary) tumor and locations of tumor spread:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• Chest x-ray
• Bone scan
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Hormone tests (levels of hormones such as epinephrine)
• CBC showing anemia or other abnormality.
• Catecholamines - urine
• Catecholamines - blood
• MIBG scan  

Review Date: 05/22/2006
Reviewed By: Adam S. Levy, MD, Director, Fellowship Training Program, Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx,NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.