Treatment of neuroblastoma in children
Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that forms from immature cells of the sympathetic nervous system in children and can have different localization. Often, neuroblastoma is found in the nerve tissue of a child's adrenal glands, as well as in the sympathetic trunk (nerve plexuses that run on both sides of the spine). Less commonly, childhood tumors develop in tissues in the neck, chest, or pelvis.
This disease is often found in very young children, sometimes neuroblastoma is detected even during intrauterine development during ultrasound diagnostics. The causes of neuroblastoma in children are not fully understood, it is assumed that hereditary predisposition and genetic mutations play a role in the onset of the disease. There is no reason to assert that any external factors lead to childhood illness - the environment, working conditions of the child's parents, taking any medications during pregnancy.
Symptoms and methods for diagnosing neuroblastoma in a child
At the initial stage, the tumor may not manifest itself in any way, many children do not experience any inconvenience until the tumor becomes too large and does not metastasize. As a rule, neuroblastoma in a child is discovered by chance during a routine examination by a pediatrician, X-ray or ultrasound examination, which were prescribed for other reasons.
Symptoms of cancer in children are:
- the appearance of seals on the body, in the neck, chest and tummy;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- dark circles under the eyes;
- rapid fatigability of the child;
- periodic increase in body temperature;
- constipation, swelling, other disorders in the gastrointestinal tract;
- loss of appetite, nausea;
- bone pain.
Symptoms in children may vary depending on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor and metastases.
It is very important to make an accurate diagnosis of a child with oncology and start treatment in a timely manner. Diagnostic procedures are best performed in a specialized clinic that has the necessary technical equipment. The child undergoes tests and studies that confirm the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, as well as provide more complete information about the type of neuroblastoma and how much it has spread. In neuroblastoma, a child's blood and urine test may show the presence of tumor markers. Ultrasound examinations, magnetic resonance imaging are carried out. The final diagnosis in oncology is established after a biopsy (histological examination of a part of the tumor), on the basis of which it is possible to draw conclusions about its malignancy, predict the outcome of treatment and choose the most correct tactics. The cost of diagnostics depends on the tests and procedures assigned to the child.
Treatment of neuroblastoma in children in Israel
Today, many cancers are treatable, after which patients have a good chance of long-term remission or full recovery. Treatment of neuroblastoma in children depends on many factors, including the size and location of the tumor, its growth rate, the degree of malignancy, and the child's age. In Israeli clinics, oncologists have extensive experience in the treatment of such diseases, for which methods such as are used:
- chemotherapy - destruction of the tumor through the action of various drugs that affect the growth of malignant cells;
- surgical treatment - removal of a tumor in a child;
- radiation therapy;
- immunotherapy;
- bone marrow transplant.
In the smallest patients, tumor regression sometimes occurs without any treatment.
As you know, the treatment of oncological diseases, including neuroblastoma, is quite expensive and requires the use of expensive drugs and procedures. The cost of treating neuroblastoma in children in Israeli clinics does not exceed the cost of similar procedures in medical institutions in other developed countries, and in some cases is lower. It is difficult to name the exact cost of medical services, because it depends on the condition of the child, the tactics of therapy. You can find out more about treatment in Israel at Medical Logistic.