Diagnosis
Physicians often discover neuroblastoma as a lump or tenderness in the child's abdomen or during a routine visit to the doctor. A simple urine test may help to detect neuroblastoma. Other studies used to identify neuroblastoma at Mayo Clinic include:
- Computed tomography (CT) creates a computer-generated two-dimensional
image of the tumor and surrounding tissue that includes greater detail than
standard X-rays.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio
waves to generate cross-sectional pictures of the body.
- Ultrasound uses a wandlike device (transducer) to send and receive
high-frequency sound waves that can be translated into images of internal
organs.
- A chest X-ray displays the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and the diaphragm so physicians can look for abnormalities or tumors.
- A bone scan shows changes in bones that may indicate a tumor or other abnormality.
- A biopsy provides tissue samples that can be analyzed under a microscope for cancer.
- Blood tests can reveal abnormalities such as anemia or an elevated white blood cell count.