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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffIn general, cancer begins with a genetic mutation that allows normal, healthy cells to continue growing without responding to the signals to stop, which normal cells do. Cancer cells grow and multiply out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells may invade nearby tissues and can break off from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasize).
Neuroblastoma begins in neuroblasts — immature nerve cells that a fetus makes as part of its development process. As the fetus matures, neuroblasts eventually turn into nerve cells and fibers and the cells that make up the adrenal glands. The majority of neuroblasts mature by birth, though studies have found a small number of immature neuroblasts in newborns. In most cases, these neuroblasts will mature or disappear. Others, however, form a tumor — a neuroblastoma.
It isn't clear what causes the initial genetic mutation that leads to neuroblastoma. However, because neuroblastoma usually affects very young children, researchers believe the mutation occurs during pregnancy or soon after birth.
- Ater, JL. Neuroblastoma. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/207463617-2/0/1608/0.html. Accessed June 28, 2010.
- Park JR, et al. Neuroblastoma: Biology, prognosis and treatment. Hematology & Oncology Clinics of North America. 2010;24:65.
- Dome JS, et al. Pediatric solid tumors. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2007:2091.
- Neuroblastoma treatment (PDQ). National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/neuroblastoma/patient/allpages. Accessed June 28, 2010.
- Family Handbook for Children with Cancer. Children's Oncology Group. http://www.curesearch.org/pdf/Family_Handbook_for_Curesearch.pdf. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- Neuroblastoma — childhood. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Neuroblastoma+-+Childhood. Accessed July 6, 2010.
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