Where does neuroblastoma occur? 

Neuroblastoma can occur in several places in the body because it develops from neuroblasts - very early nerve cells that form the sympathetic nervous system. This network of nerves runs throughout the body, so tumours can begin in different locations depending on where these immature cells remain. 

Most neuroblastoma tumours begin in the abdomen (tummy), with the adrenal glands which are located just above the kidneys, being the single most common site. These glands are closely linked to the sympathetic nervous system, making them a frequent place for neuroblastoma to develop. 

Neuroblastoma can also start in nerve tissue found in other parts of the body, including the: 

• neck 
• chest 
• back or spine (paraspinal region) 
• pelvis 

These areas all contain sympathetic nerve cells, which is why tumours can develop there. 

Where neuroblastoma can spread 

In some children, neuroblastoma can spread (metastasise) from where it started to other parts of the body. Common places it may spread to include: 

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

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