Neuroblastoma pathophysiology

Neuroblastoma Microchapters
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Assistant Editor(s)-In-Chief: Jack Khouri

Pathophysiology

Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system -- a nerve network that carries messages from the brain throughout the body. Its solid tumors, which take the form of a lump or mass, commonly begin in one of the adrenal glands, though they can also develop in nerve tissues in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.

The cause of neuroblastoma is unknown, though most physicians believe that it is an accidental cell growth that occurs during normal development of the adrenal glands.

Neuroblastoma is one of the rare human malignancies known to demonstrate spontaneous regression from an undifferentiated state to a completely benign cellular appearance.

• VIDEO - Neuroblastoma, Jeannie Yang, MD, gives an overview at the University of Wisconsin Department of Surgery Grand Rounds (2007)

References

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