Neuroblastoma laboratory tests: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Diagnosis of neuroblastoma can be complicated. It has been called the "great masquerader" because its symptoms mimic so many other diseases. Even a pathological study (biopsy) might reveal cells that can resemble other small round blue tumor cells, like[[lymphoma|lymphomas]] and [[rhabdomyosarcoma|rhabdomyosarcomas]]. Only a pathologist familiar with neuroblastoma can distinguish the difference (and neuroblastoma is rare). | |||
==Laboratory Findings== | ==Laboratory Findings== | ||
In about 90% of cases of neuroblastoma, elevated levels of [[catecholamines]] or its metabolites are found in the urine or blood. Catecholamines and their metabolites include [[dopamine]], [[homovanillic acid]] (HVA), and/or [[vanillylmandelic acid]] (VMA). | In about 90% of cases of neuroblastoma, elevated levels of [[catecholamines]] or its metabolites are found in the urine or blood. Catecholamines and their metabolites include [[dopamine]], [[homovanillic acid]] (HVA), and/or [[vanillylmandelic acid]] (VMA). | ||
Revision as of 17:57, 10 September 2012
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Neuroblastoma Microchapters |
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Neuroblastoma laboratory tests On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Neuroblastoma laboratory tests |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Diagnosis of neuroblastoma can be complicated. It has been called the "great masquerader" because its symptoms mimic so many other diseases. Even a pathological study (biopsy) might reveal cells that can resemble other small round blue tumor cells, likelymphomas and rhabdomyosarcomas. Only a pathologist familiar with neuroblastoma can distinguish the difference (and neuroblastoma is rare).
Laboratory Findings
In about 90% of cases of neuroblastoma, elevated levels of catecholamines or its metabolites are found in the urine or blood. Catecholamines and their metabolites include dopamine, homovanillic acid (HVA), and/or vanillylmandelic acid (VMA).