What is neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that develops in very early nerve cells called neuroblasts. These cells form while a baby is growing in the womb and are part of the sympathetic nervous system (nerves that run from the spine to different parts of the body). Most neuroblasts mature and disappear before birth. If some of these immature cells grow or divide in an uncontrolled way, they can form a tumour. 

The name comes from: 

• Neuro – nerve 
• Blast – immature cell 
• Oma – tumour 

How common is neuroblastoma? 

Neuroblastoma is one of the rarer childhood cancers. Around 100 children are diagnosed with it each year in the UK. It is most often diagnosed in babies and young children, usually under the age of five, and is much rarer in older children, teenagers, and adults. 

Where does it start? 

Neuroblastoma usually begins in the abdomen (tummy), particularly in the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. These glands are closely linked to the sympathetic nervous system, so they are a common site for tumours to form. 

Tumours can also start in nerve tissue found in the: 

• neck 
• chest 
• back or spine 
• pelvis 

Because the sympathetic nervous system runs throughout the body, neuroblastoma can begin in different places. 

Can neuroblastoma spread? 

In some cases, neuroblastoma can spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body. This may include the: 

• bone marrow 
• bones 
• lymph nodes 
• liver 
• skin 

Your child’s medical team will explain whether the cancer has spread and what this means for treatment. 

Why does neuroblastoma behave so differently between children? 

Neuroblastoma can behave in very different ways. In some children it grows slowly and may even shrink without intensive treatment. In others, it can grow quickly and need urgent treatment. These differences depend on several factors, including: 

• the age of the child 
• the stage of the cancer (how far it has grown or spread) 
• certain biological features of the tumour, such as MYCN amplification 

These factors help doctors understand how the cancer is likely to behave and what treatment approach is recommended. 

What does a diagnosis mean for my child? 

Every child’s situation is unique. The way neuroblastoma grows, spreads, and responds to treatment varies, and your child’s medical team will talk you through what their diagnosis means and the next steps for your family.