What Is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in immature cells, or neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. Your body’s nervous system is primarily divided into the central nervous system, which consists of your brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system, which helps send information from your brain to other parts of the body. It also plays a significant role in regulating your:
- Blood pressure
- Quantities of certain hormones
- Digestion
- Heart rate
- Fight-or-flight response
Neuroblastoma occurs as a solid tumor, and it is commonly found in the:
- Chest
- Pelvis
- Abdomen
- Adrenal gland
- Neck
If the condition is left untreated, it can metastasize to other parts of the body, such as the skin, lymph nodes, and bones. Neuroblastoma is a rare type of cancer, but it is the most common type among children. Studies done by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center showed that about 700 new cases of neuroblastoma are diagnosed every year in the United States. Most cases are diagnosed among young children, and it is usually diagnosed before age 5.
Is Neuroblastoma An Inheritable Condition?
Studies show that over 95% of neuroblastoma are not inherited, but may occur as a result of a random gene mutation. Studies also show that over 1-2% of neuroblastomas are inherited in an autosomal dominant design. This means that you can have the condition if a gene from one parent is mutated. It is important to note that not everyone who inherits the mutated gene will develop neuroblastoma. In this case, it is called “incomplete penetrance.” Researchers believe that most people need an additional gene mutation to have neuroblastoma.<