Neuroblastoma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that causes developing nerve cells to become tumors. The tumors usually develop in glands near the kidneys called adrenal glands. Tumors may develop along your child's spine, or in his or her abdomen, chest, neck, or pelvis. A tumor may start in one place and metastasize (spread) to another. Neuroblastoma usually affects children younger than 5 years but can affect children up to 10 years old. The cause is not known. Your child may have an increased risk if other members of his or her family had neuroblastoma.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child has severe watery diarrhea or a swollen abdomen.
- Your child has muscle weakness or trouble moving his or her arms or legs.
- Your child's eyes are moving quickly, and he or she has muscle twitches.
Contact your child's healthcare provider if:
- Your child has new or worsening pain that does not get better with pain medicine.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
Your child may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to give your child this medicine safely.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider as directed:
Your child will need to have tests and physical examinations for several years. Healthcare providers will check your child for cancer that has spread, returned, or gotten worse over time. They will also check your child for developmental delays and nerve problems. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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