1. Symptoms of Neuroblastoma in the Abdomen
Given that approximately 67 percent of neuroblastoma cases are centered in the abdomen, you should be on the lookout for abdomen-specific signs and symptoms of the condition. The most intrusive of these is abdomen pain, but your child may also complain that she feels full even when she hasn't eaten anything. This can indicate a tumor mass pressing on the stomach. If your child suffers from leg swelling, constipation or frequent urination, take her to see a doctor--especially if these symptoms occur in tandem.
2. Signs of Neuroblastoma in the Chest
As with abdomen-based neuroblastoma, you may be able to spot or feel a solid painless lump on your child's chest. If the cancer is centered in your child's upper torso, you can expect that he will complain not only of chest pain but will also exhibit wheeziness, facial swelling and, in some cases, lazy eyelids or uneven pupils.
3. Got a Fever?
If you recognize that your child has abnormally consistent fever symptoms, talk to your family doctor. Approximately 25 percent of neuroblastoma patients experience chronic or severe fevers. However, keep in mind that there are many medical conditions with similar signs. Your doctor will only suspect neuroblastoma if the fever symptoms are accompanied by other, more specific, signs of cancer.
4. Secondary Signs and Symptoms
You might spot other health abnormalities in your child alongside the most easily recognized signs of cancer. Some things to watch for include muscle spasms, an abnormal gait and rapid, involuntary eye movements. If your child complains of bone pain, develops scoliosis or back pain, loses weight inexplicably or has detectable tissue lumps beneath the surface of the skin, neuroblastoma may be to blame. As with all forms of cancer, successful treatment depends heavily on early diagnosis. Get your child to a doctor as soon as possible if any of these warning signs appear.
