Neuroblastoma of retroperitoneal space

Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor that affects the sympathetic nervous system. Most often, the tumor occurs in children up to two years in the retroperitoneal space. In this case, the development of the disease begins with the adrenal glands. Also, the primary tumor can affect the tissues along the child's spine - in the thoracic and cervical region.

The causes of the appearance of neuroblastoma

Until now, scientists can not unequivocally explain why this dangerous disease appears. It is known that neuroblastoma develops from embryonic cells, immature neuroblasts. The roots of the disease lie in the heredity and mutation of cells. In some cases, swelling in the fetus can be detected during the passage of ultrasound.

What are the symptoms of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma?

Malignant tumor is very aggressive and can rapidly develop, leading to the formation of metastases. Although there are cases when spontaneous cure suddenly began without medical intervention. Also, in some patients, malignant cells were transformed into benign cells.

Neuroblastoma of the retroperitoneal space leads to an increase in the abdomen of the child, often provoking pain in the abdominal region.

Very often, the tumor leads to puffiness, impaired functioning of the intestine and bladder. Body temperature and blood pressure may increase. In addition, the baby can lose appetite, lose weight quickly.

Neuroblastoma Diagnosis

In order to put the correct diagnosis with neuroblastoma and begin correct treatment, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis. With neuroblastoma, a histological examination is widely used, both of the tumor itself and of metastases.

Important for understanding the stage of the disease is ultrasound and computed tomography.

4 stages of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma

The further course of treatment and its outcome directly depends on the stage of the disease. It is accepted to distinguish four stages of the course of the disease. But you should know that if the disease is well treatable in the first or second stage, then chances are greatly reduced in the third and fourth stages. Let us consider in more detail.

1. І stage. Possible surgical removal of malignant formation.
2. ІІA stage. Perhaps the rapid removal of most of the neuroblastoma.
3. IIB stage. Neuroblastoma can be one-sided. There is the possibility of its complete removal, or most of it.
4. ІІІ stage. At this stage, the tumor can be one-sided, middle, or hit the opposite side. Also metastases in the lymph nodes are manifested. Can not save more than 55-60% of children.
5. IV stage. Widespread defeat with metastases in the lymph nodes, bone tissues and other organs. Survives no more than a quarter of sick children.
6. IVS stage. It is characterized by tumors in the first and second stages, and also affects the liver, skin and bone tissue.

Neuroblastoma is a very dangerous disease. The main methods of treatment - the rapid removal of malignant education, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Depending on the stage of the disease, different treatment is used. If the disease is in the first or second stage, as a rule, surgical intervention with previous chemotherapy is prescribed. The third stage of development of the tumor is inoperable, so the child is prescribed chemotherapy. At the fourth stage, a surgical procedure is performed followed by bone marrow transplantation. It is very important to identify the disease in time. The earlier the measures are taken, the higher the chances of recovery.