Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 
Ganglioneuroblastoma
Ganglioneuroblastoma is an intermediate tumor that arises from nerve tissues. An intermediate tumor is one that is between benign (slow-growing and unlikely to spread) and malignant (fast-growing, aggressive, and likely to spread).
Causes
This is a very rare tumor that occurs in children.
Tumors of the nervous system have different degrees of differentiation. The degree of differentiation is based on how the tumor cells look under the microscope. It can predict whether or not they are likely to spread.
Benign tumors are less likely to spread. Malignant tumors are aggressive, grow quickly, and often spread. A ganglioneuroma is a benign tumor. A neuroblastoma (occurring in children over 1 year old) is usually malignant.
Ganglioneuroma
Ganglioneuroma is a tumor of the autonomic nervous system.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a very rare type of cancerous tumor that develops from nerve tissue. It usually occurs in infants and children.
A ganglioneuroblastoma may be only in one area or it may be widespread, but it is usually less aggressive than a neuroblastoma. The cause is unknown.
Symptoms
Most commonly, a lump can be felt in the abdomen.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider may do the following tests:
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
- Bone scan
- CT scan or MRI scan of the affected area
-
Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan
Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan
An MIBG scintiscan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance (called a tracer). A scanner finds or confirms the presence of pheoch...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Special blood and urine tests
- Surgical biopsy to confirm diagnosis
Treatment
Depending on the type of tumor, treatment can involve surgery, and possibly chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Because these tumors are rare, they should be treated in a specialized center by experts who have experience with them.
Support Groups
Organizations that provide support and additional information:
- Children's Oncology Group -- www.childrensoncologygroup.org
- The Neuroblastoma Children's Cancer Society -- www.neuroblastomacancer.org
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook depends on how far the tumor has spread, and whether some areas of the tumor contain more aggressive cancer cells.
Possible Complications
Complications that may result include:
-
Complications of surgery,
radiation
, or
chemotherapy
Radiation
Radiation therapy uses high-powered x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleChemotherapy
The term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Spread of the tumor into surrounding areas
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you feel a lump or growth on your child's body. Make sure children receive routine examinations as part of their well-child care.
References
Dome JS, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Spunt SL, Santana VM. Pediatric solid tumors. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 95.
National Cancer Institute. PDQ Neuroblastoma treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Date last modified January 14, 2016. www.cancer.gov/types/neuroblastoma/hp/neuroblastoma-treatment-pdq . Accessed January 19, 2016.
Zage PE, Ater JL. Neuroblastoma. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2015:chap 498.
Review Date: 12/23/2015
Reviewed By: Adam S. Levy, MD, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
