Question 1

What is Neuroblastoma?

Accepted Answer

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and primarily affects infants and young children. It is caused by abnormal development of neuroblasts that form tumors, often producing excessive catecholamines including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test is the most important blood test for detecting neuroblastoma because it measures these elevated hormone levels.

Question 2

What causes neuroblastoma?

Accepted Answer

Neuroblastoma is caused by abnormal development of neuroblasts, which are immature nerve cells that normally mature into functioning nerve cells and adrenal tissue. Instead of maturing properly, these cells continue growing uncontrollably and form tumors, typically in the adrenal glands above the kidneys, but they can also develop in nerve tissue along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The exact trigger for this abnormal development is not fully understood, though genetic mutations and hereditary factors play a role in some cases.

Question 3

What is the best test for neuroblastoma?

Accepted Answer

The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test is the most important blood test for neuroblastoma because it detects elevated levels of catecholamines including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine that neuroblastoma tumors produce. These tumors characteristically overproduce these hormones, and measuring them in the blood helps support the diagnosis. While imaging studies and tissue biopsy are ultimately needed for definitive diagnosis, elevated catecholamine levels in blood work provide crucial biochemical evidence that guides further evaluation. This test is particularly valuable because approximately 90-95% of neuroblastoma cases show elevated catecholamines or their breakdown products.

Question 4

When should I get tested for neuroblastoma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if your child shows concerning symptoms such as a firm lump or mass in the abdomen, persistent bone pain, unexplained fever, or unusual bruising around the eyes. Testing is also important if you notice unexplained weight loss, difficulty breathing, persistent diarrhea, or if your child has uncontrolled eye movements or difficulty walking. Since neuroblastoma primarily affects children under age 5, early testing when these symptoms appear can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of neuroblastoma?

Accepted Answer

Neuroblastoma symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located but often include a firm, painless lump or swelling in the abdomen, which is the most common presentation. Children may experience persistent fever, bone pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite with unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms include bruising or dark circles around the eyes (resembling black eyes), bulging eyes, difficulty breathing or chronic cough if the tumor is in the chest, and diarrhea due to hormone production by the tumor. Some children develop weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking if the tumor presses on the spinal cord.

Question 6

Who is at risk for neuroblastoma?

Accepted Answer

Neuroblastoma primarily affects infants and very young children, with most cases diagnosed before age 5 and about 90% occurring before age 10. The median age at diagnosis is approximately 17 months. Children with certain genetic conditions, such as congenital central hypoventilation syndrome or Hirschsprung disease, have higher risk. About 1-2% of cases are hereditary and run in families. Boys are slightly more likely to develop neuroblastoma than girls, and while it can affect children of any ethnicity, it is slightly more common in white children than in African American or Asian children.

Question 7

What happens if neuroblastoma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If neuroblastoma is left untreated, the cancer can spread rapidly to other parts of the body including lymph nodes, bones, bone marrow, liver, and skin. The tumor continues growing and can compress vital organs, causing serious complications like breathing difficulties, spinal cord compression leading to paralysis, and organ failure. Advanced neuroblastoma significantly reduces survival rates and treatment effectiveness. Untreated cases can lead to severe pain, disability, and ultimately death. Early detection and treatment are critical, as younger children and those with localized disease have much better outcomes, with some low-risk cases even showing spontaneous regression.

Question 8

Can neuroblastoma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot definitively diagnose neuroblastoma, but they play a crucial supporting role in the diagnostic process. The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test detects elevated levels of catecholamines that neuroblastoma tumors typically produce, providing important biochemical evidence. While elevated catecholamine levels strongly suggest neuroblastoma, definitive diagnosis requires imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs to visualize the tumor, and a tissue biopsy to examine cancer cells under a microscope. Blood tests are valuable for initial screening, monitoring treatment response, and detecting potential relapse after treatment is complete.

Question 9

How is neuroblastoma treated?

Accepted Answer

Neuroblastoma treatment depends on the child's age, tumor location, cancer stage, and genetic characteristics of the tumor. Low-risk neuroblastoma may require only observation, as some tumors regress spontaneously, while others need surgical removal alone. Intermediate-risk cases typically involve surgery combined with chemotherapy. High-risk neuroblastoma requires intensive treatment including chemotherapy, surgery to remove the tumor, high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy with targeted antibodies. Treatment is coordinated by a specialized pediatric oncology team and may last 12-18 months or longer for high-risk cases.

Question 10

How can I prevent neuroblastoma?

Accepted Answer

There is no known way to prevent neuroblastoma because it develops from genetic changes that occur during fetal development or early infancy, before any environmental exposures. Unlike many adult cancers, neuroblastoma is not linked to lifestyle factors, environmental toxins, or parental behaviors during pregnancy. The genetic mutations that cause neuroblastoma appear to occur randomly in most cases. For families with hereditary neuroblastoma (1-2% of cases), genetic counseling can help assess risk for future children, but there are no preventive measures available. The best approach is awareness of symptoms and seeking prompt medical evaluation if concerning signs develop.

Question 11

What can I do at home for neuroblastoma?

Accepted Answer

While neuroblastoma requires professional medical treatment, you can support your child at home by ensuring they get adequate nutrition with small, frequent meals if appetite is poor, staying well-hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. Manage treatment side effects like nausea with prescribed medications and ginger or bland foods. Keep your child comfortable with pain management as directed by doctors, and maintain good hygiene to prevent infections since treatment weakens the immune system. Provide emotional support through play, reading, and normal family activities when energy permits. Keep all medical appointments, track symptoms, and communicate openly with the oncology team about any concerns or changes in your child's condition.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Neuroblastoma Blood Test

What is Neuroblastoma?

What causes neuroblastoma?

What is the best test for neuroblastoma?

When should I get tested for neuroblastoma?

References

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