Neuroblastoma

Overview

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that begins in the immature nerve cells (neuroblasts). Neuroblastoma most often affects the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys. But neuroblastoma can also occur in a child's abdomen, pelvis, neck or near the spine.

Neuroblastoma most commonly affects children age 5 or younger. But neuroblastoma can sometimes be diagnosed at a later age.

Some forms of neuroblastoma go away on their own, while others are difficult to treat and may require multiple treatments.

Read more about neuroblastoma.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for neuroblastoma

• Teamwork. At Mayo Clinic, pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and surgeons work as a multidisciplinary team to treat neuroblastoma. Other professionals are included as needed.
• Experience. Neuroblastoma is an uncommon type of cancer. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience treating many cases of neuroblastoma.
• A full range of treatment options to consider. Mayo Clinic doctors will work with you to review all of your child's treatment options and choose the treatment that best suits your child's needs and goals. The range of treatments offered to children with neuroblastoma includes chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and stem cell transplant.
• Access to experimental treatments. Mayo Clinic's cutting-edge cancer research gives children with neuroblastoma access to new potential treatment discoveries. Mayo Clinic also participates in cooperative clinical research trial networks, including the Children's Oncology Group.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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