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Neuroblastoma
A childhood cancer of immature nerve cells that often begins in an adrenal gland or along the sympathetic nervous system.
Understanding neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma forms in neuroblasts, immature nerve cells that normally develop into parts of the nervous system. It most often affects babies and young children and frequently begins in an adrenal gland, but it can also start in the neck, chest, abdomen or near the spine. Treatment and outlook depend on age, stage, tumour biology and risk group.
Possible signs and symptoms
- A lump in the abdomen, neck or chest
- Persistent bone pain or a limp
- A swollen abdomen or breathing difficulty in an infant
- Bulging eyes or dark circles around the eyes
- Weakness, numbness or reduced movement
- Unexplained fever, tiredness, bruising or weight loss
Treatment and care
Treatment is planned by a paediatric oncology team according to risk group, age, stage, tumour genetics and response to initial treatment.
Surgery and lower-risk treatment
Surgery may be enough for some localised, lower-risk tumours. Some very young infants with selected tumours may be monitored closely because spontaneous regression can occur.
Multimodal treatment
Intermediate- and high-risk disease may require chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, stem-cell rescue, immunotherapy, differentiation therapy or clinical trials.
Sources and medical information
Sources checked: 28 July 2026
Neuroblastoma symptoms overlap with many common childhood conditions and diagnosis requires specialist testing. A child with weakness, paralysis, breathing difficulty, severe pain, marked abdominal swelling or rapid deterioration needs urgent medical assessment.
Official sources
Key Facts
Young childrenNeuroblastoma occurs most often in babies and young children
Adrenal or nerve tissueIt often begins in an adrenal gland or along the sympathetic nervous system