Neuroblastoma

Alternative names:

pepper's syndrome

Symptoms:

• pale skin
• dark circles around the eyes
• chronic fatigue, excessive tiredness lasting for weeks to months
• diarrhea
• enlarged abdomen (particularly if spread to the liver)
  • abdominal mass
  • abdomen, swollen

• bone pain or tenderness (if spread to the bones)
• difficulty breathing (if spread to the chest)
• general discomfort or uneasiness (malaise) lasting for weeks or months
• flushed, red skin
• profuse sweating
• rapid pulse (tachycardia)
• eye movements, uncontrollable
• loss of movement (paralysis) of the hips, legs, or feet (lower extremities)
• movement, uncoordinated
• irritability or poor temper control

Note: Symptoms vary depending on the site of the tumor.

Signs and tests:

Signs vary depending on the location of the tumor. Examination of the abdomen with the hands (palpation) may show a mass (aggregation of cells). The liver may be enlarged if the tumor has spread to the liver. Adrenal gland tumor often causes high blood pressure and a fast heart rate.

Testing reveals the original tumor and locations of tumor spread:

• CT scan
• MRI scan
• chest X-ray
• bone scan
• bone marrow biopsy
• hormone tests (levels of sympathetic hormones such as epinephrine)
• CBC showing anemia or other abnormality.
• catecholamines - urine
• catecholamines - blood