Kelsey+C

__Neuroblastoma__ is a type of cancer that begins by developing in nerve cells that are found in an embryo or fetus. (//neuro// refers to the nerves, and //blastoma// refers to cancer that affects developing cells). This form of cancer occurs in infants and and children roughly between 10 years and younger. It is rare for anyone to get neuroblastoma that is over 10 years old. Knowledge of the normal structure and functioning of the nervous system is important to understand for this cancer.

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cords, and the nerves reaching out to all parts of the body. Thinking, sensation, and movement are all caused by the nervous system. Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, digestion, and other body functions are also controlled by the //autonomic nervous system//, but not many people are aware of it. The //sympathetic nervous system// is a part of the autonomic suystem, which include: 1. the nerve fibers that run along both sides of the spinal cord 2. clusters of nerve cells called ganglia (plural of ganglion) at certain points along the path of the nerve fibers 3. nerve-like cells found in the medulla (center) of the adrenal glands. The adrenals are small glands that sit on top of each kidney. These glands make the hormone adrenaline. //Neurons// are cells that communicate and interact with other types of body cells by realsing small amounts of hormones. The neuroblastoma cells often release certain hormones that can cause symptoms, and awareness of it occurs when parents see certain abnormal signs or symptoms in their child.
 * (credit to cancer.org)**

Symptoms of neuroblastoma can be found by the size and location of the tumor with an unusual lump on it or the mass. A child's abdomen begins to swell which causes lack of eating and losing alot of weight. Some usual symptoms are pain or uncomfrotable situations, such as they are too full to eat. A child's bladder does in some cases have bad pressure and causes a tumor to form.

More than 1 out of 3 neuroblastomas start in the adrenal glands, and about 1 out of 3 begins in the sympathetic nerve ganglia of the abdomen. **(credit to cancer.org)** Very rarely, a neurobalstoma will spread in a wide area before the doctor can detect where it first began. Some cells die withotu any cause and the tumor jsut disappears. This is much more common in infants however, rather then older children. Sometimes the cells mature normal and stop dividing. This cwould casue the tumor to become a ganglioneuroma - made up of of mature ganglion and nerve sheaths that do not continue to grow. This certain tumor contaisn neuroblasts that can grow and and spread in an abnormal way. These are usually looked at closely under a microscope and can be removed by surgery. No other treatment would be needed if the cell was in fact, a ganglioneuroma.