Your GP should refer your child to a specialist if they show the more common symptoms of neuroblastoma, like a lump in their tummy or a swollen tummy. 

You will see a specialist children's doctor, called a paediatrician. Depending on your child's diagnosis, you may also see a paediatric oncologist - a specialist children and young person's cancer doctor. 

What tests are carried out to check for neuroblastoma? 

If one of these doctors suspects that your child may have neuroblastoma there will be a number of tests that will need to be done to confirm a diagnosis and help determine the best way to treat them. Some common tests include: 

• Urine Tests- to check for certain substances that are secreted by the neuroblastoma. 
• CT, MRI and Ultrasound Scans- to produce images of areas inside the body where tumours may be. 
• MIBG (metiodobenzyl guanidine) Scan- an injection of a radioactive molecule which attaches to neuroblastoma cells to make them visible in scans. 
• Biopsy- a small sample of cells, taken using a needle, that are examined under a microscope. 
• Bone Marrow Biopsy – samples taken of bone marrow to check if the neuroblastoma gas spread to the bones. 
• X-Ray Scans- to look for abnormalities in the bones.

Your child may have more than one test on the same day, and these tests will continue throughout treatment and beyond, if they are diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Some scans may need to be carried out under general anaesthetic, depending on the type of scan, and age of your child. 

What should I expect after diagnosis? 

When families receive a diagnosis of neuroblastoma they can often experience confusion, shock and bewilderment. These are normal reactions. 

It is important to remember that it is not your fault your child has cancer and is not the result of anything you have or have not done. It is likely that you have never heard the word ‘neuroblastoma’ before and may not have even realised that children can get cancer. 

In the days around diagnosis, you may have met new specialists, doctors, nurses and support staff. They are experienced and will understand that families may need some time to absorb what has happened. Nobody is expected to understand complicated cancer treatments straight away and health professionals are very used to having to repeat themselves and rephrase things in a way that helps parents to understand. It is very common to find it difficult to take in and remember information for a length of time after diagnosis.