Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer of specialised nerve cells called neural crest cells. These cells are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues such as the adrenal gland.

Neuroblastoma most often occurs in the adrenal glands above the kidneys. These are specialised glands that release hormones to maintain blood pressure and enable us to respond to stress.

Most children are diagnosed at stage IV (spread) and are given a 20% chance of making it 5 years with treatment (chemotherapy, surgery to remove any tumours, stem cell transplant and radiation in some.