A neuroblastoma is a form of cancer that affects the nerve cells within the body. This rare form of cancer is diagnosed in approximately 650 patients each year, of which, 90 percent are under the age of 5, according to health officials with the American Cancer Society (ACS). Neuroblastomas predominantly occur within the abdomen or chest. Infants or children who develop any of the symptoms of a neuroblastoma require immediate medical attention from an oncologist.
Lump or Mass
A lump or mass beneath the skin is one of the most common symptoms of a neuroblastoma, reports the ACS. A patient with a neuroblastoma can develop a collection of cancerous cells, called a tumor, at the affected body region. In most patients, the lump or mass is not painful or tender to the touch. The mass or tumor may protrude from the skin, and may press into surrounding tissues or organs. If this occurs, affected patients can develop additional symptoms of a neuroblastoma.
Bowel Movement or Urinary Changes
A neuroblastoma within the abdomen can cause inflammation of the surrounding organs. As a result, patients with this form of cancer can develop bowel or urinary changes, such as diarrhea, constipation or increased urination, explain health professionals with MayoClinic.com. A patient with this condition may also develop a sensation of fullness within the abdomen, which can contribute to decreased appetite or discomfort.
Swelling
Neuroblastomas that affect the facial tissue can cause symptoms of swelling in certain patients, report medical professionals with the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford in California. Affected patients can exhibit unusual puffiness or bruising around the eyes, which can be tender to the touch. Certain patients can also experience swelling within the legs, explains the ACS. Lower limb swelling can make it difficult for affected patients to move about normally.
Drooping Eyelid or Eye Changes
A patient who develops a neuroblastoma within the chest can experience eye-related symptoms due to this form of cancer. Affected patients may develop dark circles around the eyes, or have difficulty voluntarily controlling the movement of their eyes, according to health professionals with the University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital.
Difficulty Breathing
Patients can develop difficulty breathing as a symptom of a neuroblastoma within the chest, explains MayoClinic.com. Swelling of the throat can cause wheezing or shortness of breath in affected patients.
Limb Weakness
If a neuroblastoma presses into the nerves along the spinal column, affected patients may experience limb weakness or paralysis as symptoms of this form of cancer. Patients may develop sensations of numbness within the affected limbs or can have difficulty moving about normally, explains the ACS.
Fever or Weight Loss
Occasionally, patients with a neuroblastoma can develop a fever as a symptom, explains UCSF Children's Hospital. Fever symptoms may contribute to additional symptoms of sweating, chills, headache or body aches. Certain patients may also experience unexplained or unintended weight loss as a symptom of a neuroblastoma, reports MayoClinic.com. Weight loss may occur in conjunction with stomach upset symptoms, such as diarrhea or abdominal fullness.
References
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford: Neuroblastoma
- American Cancer Society: How Is Neuroblastoma Diagnosed?
- American Cancer Society: What are the Key Statistics About Neuroblastoma?
- University of California San Francisco Children's Hospital: Neuroblastoma
- MayoClinic.com: Neuroblastoma--Symptoms
