How do you get neuroblastoma?

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 30, 2024
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Currently, there is no consensus on the specific causes of neuroblastoma. In most cases, it is believed to be caused by the failure of primitive myeloid epithelial cells to continue differentiating, which is somewhat linked to congenital genetic factors. Additionally, poor lifestyle choices and exposure to certain chemical carcinogens, including long-term exposure to radiation, can potentially lead to neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a highly malignant tumor that generally grows and develops rapidly. It often adheres to surrounding tissues in the early stages of the disease, making complete surgical removal quite difficult, and typically has a poor prognosis.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Early symptoms of neuroblastoma

For patients with neuroblastoma, the early stages of the disease often manifest as mild headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms are relatively mild and can be significantly alleviated by taking oral pain relief medications. Therefore, the condition often does not receive adequate attention, leading to missed diagnoses. As the tumor size increases, the original symptoms such as headaches and dizziness will significantly worsen. Some patients may even experience optic nerve atrophy, papilledema, reduced visual fields, and vision deficits. When such conditions occur, patients often undergo cranial CT or MRI scans to confirm the presence of neuroblastoma.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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What should be avoided in the diet for neuroblastoma?

Patients with neuroblastoma should be cautious with their diet and avoid foods that are overly greasy or spicy. It's also advisable to limit or avoid carbohydrate-rich or fried foods and those high in cholesterol. If the patient has allergies, they should avoid seafood products, which contain abundant animal proteins and can trigger allergic reactions, potentially leading to allergic dermatitis or allergic asthma. Additionally, some fruits, such as durian or mango, may also induce allergic reactions, so it is best to consume them sparingly or not at all.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Neuroblastoma in children

Neuroblastoma does not specifically concern how old the child is, as it can occur in children during their developmental process, and even in newborns, adolescents, and adults. There is no specific timing required for its occurrence. Therefore, for neuroblastoma, the principle is to initiate treatment as soon as it is detected. Although the prognosis may not be very good, the aim should be to extend the patient's life and reduce suffering as much as possible. After all, no matter the age, the patient is a loved one.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Precursors to neuroblastoma recurrence

For neuroblastoma, if recurrence occurs, the patient may show symptoms like recurrent headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Additionally, if the optic nerve is involved, there may be a decrease in vision and visual field defects. Even the possibility exists that the tumor could recur, increase in size, and compress surrounding important blood vessels and nerves, leading to an increase in intracranial pressure, which manifests as worsening of the original symptoms of headaches and dizziness. Once such symptoms occur, it generally suggests a high likelihood of neuroblastoma recurrence. If it causes symptoms such as hemiplegia and aphasia, it can generally be confirmed.

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Written by Kang Li
Neurosurgery
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Symptoms of Neuroblastoma

Typical symptoms of neuroblastoma include anemia and fatigue, excitement, no weight gain or weight loss, or irregular fever. The initial symptoms in the course of a short disease are not typical. Early diagnosis is difficult. Nonspecific symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, joint pain. Those occurring within the skull display a bit of central nervous system cursing symptoms and symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Main manifestation. Occurrence outside the skull depends on the location of the tumor and the metastatic sites. Involvement of the thoracic cavity can cause chest and back pain and difficulty breathing, involvement of the abdominal cavity is characterized by abdominal distension, constipation, dysentery, and involvement of the spinal canal manifests as reduced strength in the trunk and limbs, and motor and sensory disturbances.