About this topic
A neuroblastoma is a cancerous lump that begins in the nerves. It often grows in the glands on top of the kidneys, neck, liver, chest, and spinal cord. This cancer most often affects children who are 5 or younger. ‚
Doctors need to know: ‚
- The size of the tumor
- If the lymph nodes are affected
- If the cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body
This will let your doctor know the staging of the cancer and help decide the best treatment for your child. Treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor, chemo, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and bone marrow transplant. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Make sure to give your child all the drugs ordered by the doctor.
After surgery: ‚
- Keep your childs wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours. Wash your hands before touching your child's wound or dressing. Change the dressing when it gets soaked or as needed.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to give your child a bath. You may use soap and water to wash the wound. Make sure not to soak it. Gently towel-dry the wound.
After chemo: ‚
- Your child may have hair loss. Protect your child's scalp by using sunscreen. Have your child wear soft hats and scarves.
- Let your child rest when tired.
- Teach your child proper hand washing. Have your child wash hands before eating and after using the bathroom.
After radiation: ‚
- Your child may have hair loss over the treated area.
- Your child's skin may feel dry and itchy. Do not let your child scratch, scrub, or rub these areas. Moisturize the skin.
- Bathe your child with lukewarm water and mild, unscented soaps. Pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
- Encourage your child to use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protect from the sun.
- Prevent your child from getting an infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your childs condition needs close monitoring. The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your child's progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your child's doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- If your child has stitches or staples, they will need to be taken out. The doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Your doctor may schedule your child for more chemo or radiation.
- Ask the doctor before you take your child to a dentist. There are special steps to take before your child can have any dental procedures.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Kill the cancer cells
- Prevent infection
- Treat an upset stomach and throwing up
Will physical activity be limited?
Your child may not feel like doing much at first. Help by playing games and taking your child for walks. Ask your doctor if you have questions about certain activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
No special diet is needed. Encourage your child to eat and drink. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Cancer may come back
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You cannot prevent this health problem. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Trouble breathing
- Throwing up that will not stop
- Passing urine more often or pain when passing urine
- Urine has a bad odor
Helpful tips
- Keep a thermometer in your home and know how to take an accurate body temperature.
- Bring your childs favorite toy or blanket to chemo or radiation sessions.
- Join a support group. People who are going through the same illness may help you cope with your child's illness.
- Talk with family, teachers, and friends about your child's illness. Talk about what they can do to help.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my child after surgery, chemo, or radiation.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has a fever, trouble breathing, or will not stop throwing up.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/Neuroblastoma/DetailedGuide/index ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/cancer/neuroblastoma.html ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/neuroblastoma/Patient ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚