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Neuroblastoma
Background
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of specialised nerve cells, called neural crest cells. These cells are involved in the development of the nervous system and other tissues. Neuroblastoma tumours can occur anywhere in the body, but it most often occur in one of the adrenal glands in the abdomen (tummy). The adrenal glands are specialised glands that are found above the kidneys. They release hormones to maintain blood pressure, and enable us to respond to stress. In some children, neuroblastoma can occur in nerve tissue alongside the spinal cord in the neck, chest, abdomen or pelvis. It can occur at any age during childhood, but mainly occurs in young children less than five years old. The tumour is potentially fatal due to widespread secondary deposits that are normally present at diagnosis.
