Neuroblastoma

If neuroblastoma is suspected, urine catecholamine studies, blood chemistry test, ultrasonography and/or Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and tumor biopsy is considered for diagnosis. The way the biopsy is done depends on where the tumor is in the body. Sometimes the whole tumor is removed at the same time the biopsy is done. 

After neuroblastoma has been diagnosed, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, MIBG scan, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are done to find out if cancer has spread from where it started to other parts of the body. The International Neuroblastoma Risk Group Staging System (INRGSS) is used to determine the stage of neuroblastoma. Stage is defined as Stage L1, stage L2, stage M, or stage MS. 

Children with neuroblastoma should have their treatment planned by a team of doctors who are experts in treating childhood cancer. Treatment of neuroblastoma includes chemotherapy, surgery, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue, Iodine 131-MIBG therapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. The combination of treatment is determined by risk group of the patient. In certain groups of infants with neuroblastoma, observation without immediate treatment may be chosen.