neuroblastoma Flashcards
signs of neuroblastoma
-lump in abdomen
-tender distended abdomen
-raccoon eyes
-periorbital ecchymoses
-sometimes thoracic cough
most common red flag for neuroblastoma
extracranial solid tumor (usually chest or abdomen)
where can a neuroblastoma arise?
anywhere along parasympathetic ganglia
can neuroblastoma spontaneously regress?
yes
is a neuroblastoma usually metastatic by the time of diagnosis?
yes, it’s a silent killer
should you palpate the lump in the chest or abdomen?
no, it can cause seeding
what does a child with raccoon eyes usually mean?
the neuroblastoma has metastasized
what does a neuroblastoma arise from?
embryonic neural crest cells (primitive sympathetic ganglion cells)
what is the other neuroblastoma cite besides the abdomen?
adrenal gland
what kind of pain is present with metastasis of neuroblastoma
bone pain, b/c tumor spreads to bone
is there a change in appetite with a neuroblastoma?
yes, “belly full”
is there weight loss or weight gain with a neuroblastoma?
weight loss
is there bowl or bladder dysfunction with a neuroblastoma?
yes, esp if tumor is in lumbar region
what is another abdominal symptom with a neuroblastoma?
hepatosplenomegaly
if there’s a thoracic lump
-coughing
-wheezing
-increased WOB
lab testing for neuroblasts
24 hour urine collection for tumor markers: HVA, VMA, elevated catecholamines
what can tumors secrete?
catecholamines
neuroblastoma nursing care post op
usually an abdominal surgery
nursing care related to effects of chemotherapy and radiation
chemo typically lasts 12-24 weeks, may be given before surgery
who has the best survival rates for a neuroblastoma
younger than 12 months& stage 1
complications of neuroblastoma
-mets to lymph nodes
-nerve compression resulting in neurological deficits