Neuroblastoma ultrasound manifestations

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on June 20, 2025
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Regarding the ultrasonic manifestations of neuroblastoma, they typically occur at the site of the neuroblastoma. Some neuroblastomas occur in the retroperitoneal space, such as near the adrenal glands or alongside the spine, usually presenting direct and indirect signs. Direct signs often manifest as a large tumor volume, often crossing the midline, characterized internally primarily by hypoechoic areas with significant returns unevenness, and rich blood flow around the tumor. Some patients may exhibit tumor calcification, which can cause encasement or invasion of major retroperitoneal vessels, but less commonly invasion resulting in acid efflux. Indirect signs mainly include causing renal hydronephrosis, potentially leading to enlargement of surrounding lymph nodes, and causing ascites.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
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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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Symptoms of neuroblastoma recurrence

For neuroblastoma, when the tumor recurs, the patient's original symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting will reappear, occurring intermittently and worsening persistently. Most patients will experience significant increased intracranial pressure, and even frequent nausea and vomiting. Additionally, some neuroblastoma patients experience severe vertigo, especially when changing body positions, where the vertigo is particularly pronounced. For such patients, when the above symptoms and signs occur, they should go to a local hospital as soon as possible for a reassessment using cranial MRI to monitor changes in their condition.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Is neuroblastoma a cancer?

Neuroblastoma is a highly malignant tumor, one of the most malignant among neuroepithelial tumors, and thus can be considered as cancer from this perspective. Typically, its tumor biology growth pattern is that of a malignant tumor, often growing rapidly. In the early stages of the disease, it tends to adhere closely to surrounding tissues, making it difficult for surgery to be completely successful. In addition, during treatment, it can be observed that the tumor cells are highly invasive to surrounding tissues. This often leads to significant brain edema, resulting in compression of important surrounding blood vessels and nerves, causing functional damage. The tumor can also spread through the bloodstream, making it difficult to completely remove surgically, or to miss the optimal time for surgical treatment, resulting in a poor prognosis.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Causes of Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a highly malignant tumor. In most cases, it is seen in neuroepithelial cells. Currently, there is no consensus on the specific causes of neuroblastoma. It is generally believed that congenital genetic factors, as well as mutations, gene deletions, and changes in tumor suppressor genes in patients, are greatly related. Acquired factors should not be ignored either, such as poor lifestyle and dietary habits. In most cases, the prognosis for neuroblastoma is poor, with patients having a short survival period. Most patients, even after undergoing surgical treatment, often experience poor outcomes and ultimately die from multi-organ dysfunction and failure.

doctor image
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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
51sec home-news-image

Neuroblastoma ultrasound manifestations

Regarding the ultrasonic manifestations of neuroblastoma, they typically occur at the site of the neuroblastoma. Some neuroblastomas occur in the retroperitoneal space, such as near the adrenal glands or alongside the spine, usually presenting direct and indirect signs. Direct signs often manifest as a large tumor volume, often crossing the midline, characterized internally primarily by hypoechoic areas with significant returns unevenness, and rich blood flow around the tumor. Some patients may exhibit tumor calcification, which can cause encasement or invasion of major retroperitoneal vessels, but less commonly invasion resulting in acid efflux. Indirect signs mainly include causing renal hydronephrosis, potentially leading to enlargement of surrounding lymph nodes, and causing ascites.