Neuroblastoma in Children

Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer that most often affects infants and young children. Symptoms vary widely and may resemble common childhood illnesses, making early detection difficult. Treatment and outlook depend on factors such as age at diagnosis and tumor biology. While many children respond well to treatment, high-risk neuroblastoma remains one of the most challenging pediatric cancers, underscoring the need for continued research and innovation.

Learn more about how high-risk Neuroblastoma affects children and why research is critical.

What is Neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma accounts for approximately 6-10% of all childhood cancer diagnoses, with more than 600-800 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States alone.

It is a cancer that arises from immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. Neuroblastoma most often begins in the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. However, tumors can form anywhere along the sympathetic nervous system, including the chest, neck, abdomen, or pelvis. In some children, the cancer is localized at diagnosis. In others, neuroblastoma has already spread to the lymph nodes, bone marrow, bones or liver.

Researchers believe neuroblastoma develops when neuroblasts fail to mature into normal nerve cells. Instead of stopping growth as expected, these cells continue dividing and form a tumor. Because neuroblastoma originates in developing nerve tissue, it is most commonly diagnosed in children under the age of five, with many cases occurring in infancy.

Signs and Symptoms of Neuroblastoma

Signs and Symptoms of Neuroblastoma

The symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. Some of the more common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal swelling, pain, constipation, or difficulty urinating if a tumor is present in the abdomen

  • A lump or bump in the neck that can sometimes be accompanied by drooping of the eyelid, a small pupil, and lack of sweating on the same side of the face

  • Bone pain

  • Fatigue, particularly if the disease has spread to the bone marrow

  • Easy bruising or bleeding

  • Fever

  • Difficulty breathing if the tumor is present in the chest

  • Weakness or paralysis if the tumor is pressing on the spinal cord

Less frequent symptoms caused by hormones released by the neuroblastoma cells include:

  • High blood pressure

  • Rapid heartbeat

  • Persistent diarrhea

Diagnosing Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is typically diagnosed using a combination of imaging studies and laboratory tests. Doctors may use ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or MIBG scans to locate tumors and determine whether the disease has spread.
Blood and urine tests can detect substances produced by neuroblastoma cells. A biopsy, in which a sample of tumor tissue is examined under a microscope, is required to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate tumor characteristics that help determine risk level and treatment approach.

Treatments for Neuroblastoma

Treatment for neuroblastoma is highly individualized and based on risk level. Options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. Many children receive a combination of these treatments over time, with ongoing advances focused on improving outcomes and reducing long-term side effects. The experience after treatment for neuroblastoma can vary widely from child to child.

Neuroblastoma Prognosis

A child's prognosis depends on several factors, including age at diagnosis, disease stage, and the biology of the tumor. These factors are used to classify patients into risk groups - low, intermediate, and high - which guide treatment decisions.

High-Risk Neuroblastoma in Children

High-risk neuroblastoma in children is the most aggressive form of the disease and accounts for the majority of neuroblastoma-related deaths. These tumors often spread early and are more likely to relapse after treatment.

Children with high-risk disease typically receive a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.

Survival Rate of Neuroblastoma

The survival rate of neuroblastoma varies significantly depending on risk classification. Children with low- or intermediate-risk disease often have survival rates exceeding 90%. In contrast, children with high-risk neuroblastoma have long-term survival rates of approximately 50% or less, even with aggressive therapy.

CureSearch-Funded Neuroblastoma Research

CureSearch supports cutting-edge neuroblastoma research to help advance understanding of this disease and inform future treatment strategies. In 2025, we awarded $1 million to advance neuroblastoma research led by Dr. Yael Mossé of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Other CureSearch-funded projects include research led by Dr. Adam Durbin, and Dr. Avery Posey. These research efforts contributed important insights into neuroblastoma biology and treatment approaches and continue to inform progress in the field today.

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top