Neuroblastoma

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.