Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, called neuroblasts, which are found in various parts of the body.
It most commonly arises in and around the adrenal glands. However, it can also develop in nerve tissue along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
The cause of neuroblastoma is not well understood, but it is believed to involve genetic mutations that occur during fetal development.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like CT or MRI scans, blood tests, and a biopsy of the tumor. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplants or immunotherapy. The prognosis for neuroblastoma varies widely depending on factors such as the age of the child, the stage of the disease, and the tumor's genetic characteristics.
Marked amplification of the N-myc gene is characteristic of neuroblastoma.. N-myc is a proto-oncogene, and its amplification (increased number of copies of the gene) is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. The presence of N-myc amplification is often used as a prognostic indicator and can influence treatment decisions.