Big belly in kids? Doctor warns it could be neuroblastoma cancer, not just bloating

Neuroblastoma accounts for 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. (Picture: Canva)

• Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer mainly affecting young children.
• Symptoms include firm belly lump, fatigue, and weight loss.
• Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes for neuroblastoma.

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Health is wealth. This is a common adage that we hear quite often, and yet a lot of us don't pay attention to the warning signs of diseases, dismissing them as temporal in nature or attributing them to harmless things. One such disease is neuroblastoma cancer.

If a child has a big belly than usual and the rest of the body is leaner in comparison, parents are likely to think that its regular bloating, or that the child has gained weight, or it is due to lack of physical activity. However, an oncologist has a warning. Moneycontrol team spoke to Dr Arun Kumar Giri, Director, Surgical Oncology, Aakash Healthcare, to learn more about neuroblastoma, its symptoms, causes and more.

"Neuroblastoma starts in nerve cells that did not develop correctly. These cells can develop into a lump or tumour, typically in the abdomen, chest, or near the spinal cord. It may also spread to other areas of the body," Dr Giri explained.

What causes neuroblastoma?

The exact causes of the cancer are still unknown. "What has been observed is that in some cases, nerve cells start to grow abnormally for no apparent reason. In some cases, though, it is associated with genes one inherits from one's parents," Dr Giri shared.

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Dr Giri lists symptoms of neuroblastoma

• A lump, or swelling, or dark spots under the eyes.
• Constant fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent fevers that won't go away
• Pain in bones or joints
• Digestion problems

Neuorblastoma: It accounts for 15% of pediatric cancer deaths

Neuorblastoma is not a very common cancer. Approximately 5,560 new cases were reported worldwide in 2021. "It is primarily a disease of infancy and accounts for 15% of pediatric cancer deaths. Even though it is rare, it is one of the most common cancers that occur outside the brain in infants and children."

Since it is a rare cancer, people may not recognize the symptoms right away, which is why it is important to go to a doctor if something is not normal with the child, Dr Giri told Moneycontrol.

Why one should not confuse it with bloating

Bloating generally occurs after eating something and is soft to the touch. Neuroblastoma is more of a fixed lump that does not change location, or go away. "If a lump remains in one place and is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, one should visit a doctor immediately," Dr Giri suggested.

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Treatment of neuroblastoma

The treatment of neuroblastoma depends on the location of the tumour and how far it has progressed. "Doctors can surgically remove it, use chemotherapy to shrink it, or give radiation if necessary. Some people also take medications to help their body fight the cancer," he said, adding that the doctors usually create a treatment plan that combines all of these options. Many people respond well to treatment, especially if the condition is diagnosed early on.

FAQs on neuroblastoma

Q. What is neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells. It most commonly affects infants and young children and usually begins in the adrenal glands located above the kidneys, though it can also develop in the chest, abdomen, neck or near the spine.

Q. Who is most at risk of neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma primarily affects children under the age of five. It is rare in older children and extremely rare in adults.

Q. What causes neuroblastoma?

The exact cause is unknown. In most cases, it occurs randomly when nerve cells grow abnormally. A small percentage of cases are linked to inherited genetic mutations.

Q. What are the early symptoms of neuroblastoma?

Symptoms depend on where the tumour is located but may include a swollen or firm abdomen, a lump under the skin, dark circles under the eyes, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, bone pain or persistent fever.

Q. Why is neuroblastoma sometimes mistaken for bloating?

When the tumour develops in the abdomen, it may cause belly swelling. Unlike regular bloating, the swelling from neuroblastoma is usually firm, persistent and does not go away.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.