Neuroblastoma in children
Key facts
- Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects young children.
- It grows in the nerve cells of the body and comes from a type of cell called a neuroblast.
- There are several treatment options for neuroblastoma.
- The outlook for a child with neuroblastoma depends on the type of tumour, where it is, and whether it is slow or fast growing.
What is neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a cancer that affects young children.
Neuroblastoma cancers grow in the cells of the body's nerves. They start from a type of cell called a neuroblast.
Often the tumour develops in the adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are in the abdomen (tummy) near the kidneys.
At other times the tumour develops around the spinal cord in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis.
Neuroblastoma usually affects children under 5 years old. It is rare in children over 10 years.
The outlook for a child with neuroblastoma depends on:
- the type of tumour
- where the tumour is
- whether the tumour is slow or fast growing
What are the types of neuroblastoma?
There are many types of neuroblastoma and each one behaves differently.
Doctors will classify the type of neuroblastoma based on:
- how the cancer cells look under the microscope
- the location of the tumour
- whether the tumour has spread to other parts of the body
Based on these criteria, the neuroblastoma will be classified as low, intermediate or high risk.
Children with low-risk disease usually have very good outcomes. In other cases, the tumour is very aggressive and cannot be cured.
What are the symptoms of neuroblastoma?
The symptoms of neuroblastoma depend on:
- where the tumour is
- how large the tumour is
- whether the tumour has spread
- whether the tumour is making hormones
Symptoms may include:
- a lump or swelling in the abdomen, neck or chest, or under the skin
- swelling in the legs, upper chest, neck or face
- tummy pain, not eating or feeling full quickly, usually with weight loss
- problems going to the toilet
- jerky, uncontrolled eye movements, or bulging eyes or dark circles around the eyes
- weakness or paralysis
- pain in the bones or other unexplained pain
Some children may also have trouble breathing or swallowing.
In some cases, neuroblastoma makes certain hormones that can cause:
- diarrhoea
- high blood pressure
- rapid heartbeat
- sweating
- flushing (blushing) of skin
Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be due to other conditions, so they don't always mean your child has neuroblastoma.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes neuroblastoma?
Researchers don't completely understand what causes neuroblastoma.
In rare cases, neuroblastoma can be passed down in families and can be linked to certain genetic conditions.
When should I see my doctor?
If you are worried about your child's symptoms, see your doctor.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How is neuroblastoma diagnosed?
Your doctor will:
- ask about your child's symptoms and overall health
- examine them
There are different tests used to diagnose neuroblastoma. The first is a urine (wee) test to look for high levels of a hormone called catecholamine. High levels of catecholamine can mean that your child might have neuroblastoma.
Other tests your child may have include:
- blood tests
- a bone scan
- a biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is taken out to be examined in the laboratory
- bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Your child may also have some imaging tests, including:
These tests can:
- diagnose a neuroblastoma
- work out the size and location of the tumour
- show if the tumour has spread to other parts of the body
If your child has neuroblastoma, they will be looked after by a team of health professionals known as a multidisciplinary team.
Specialists your child might see include:
- paediatric oncologists (doctors who specialise in treating children's cancer)
- medical oncologists (doctors who specialise in medicines to treat cancer)
- radiation oncologists (doctors who specialise in using radiotherapy to treat cancer)
- paediatric surgeon (doctors who specialise in operating on children)
- nurses who specialise in caring for children with cancer
Other healthcare professionals your child might see include:
- your child's regular doctor
- social workers
- rehabilitation therapists
- psychologists
- cancer care coordinators
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How is neuroblastoma treated?
The treatment will depend on:
- the type of tumour
- the location of the tumour
- how quickly the tumour is growing
- how your child responds to the treatment
Some children won't be treated at first, but they will be closely monitored and treated if any symptoms develop.
Most children will have a combination of treatments.
Surgery
Surgical treatment aims to remove all or part of the tumour.
Chemotherapy
Anti-cancer medicines are used to destroy the cancer cells. Your child could have a combination of different medicines.
Radiotherapy
High-energy x-rays are used to destroy cancer cells.
Bone marrow transplant
This is usually done along with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It's also called a stem cell transplant.
Immunotherapy
Some trials are being done on new treatments for neuroblastoma that use the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells.
Living with neuroblastoma
For support and information on coping with a cancer diagnosis in childhood, see:
Can neuroblastoma be prevented?
Doctors don't completely understand what causes cancer in some children. However, if a child develops cancer, it's not because of something they, or their parents did to cause it. No one is to blame if a child develops cancer.
Complications of neuroblastoma
If your child has neuroblastoma that is classified as low-risk disease, they might not be treated at first or only have surgery. In this case the long-term complications are usually minimal.
If your child has intermediate- or high-risk neuroblastoma, they will be treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy along with surgery. In this case, your child may have a higher chance of developing complications related to the treatment used.
Talk to your doctor about possible treatment side effects and complications.
Resources and support
For information on neuroblastoma and to get support, try the following resources.
Information on neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma Australia has information about neuroblastoma and the latest advances in treatment.
Cancer Australia has information on children's cancer and links to support organisations for children with cancer and their families.
Family and financial support
The Children's Cancer Foundation provides family support and information about the latest treatments.
Kids with Cancer Foundation Australia provides financial assistance to children with cancer and their families.
Cancer Hub helps families with children affected by cancer to find practical and emotional support.
Redkite is a national organisation that provides emotional support, financial assistance, information and resources to families who have a child with cancer.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: October 2025
