blastoma

What is Blastoma?

Blastoma, also known as embryoma, is a type of cancer that originates from immature or developing cells in the body. It can affect various parts of the body, including the brain, adrenal glands, and other organs.

Types of Blastoma

There are several types of blastomas, including:

• Retinoblastoma: A rare form of eye cancer that affects the retina.
• Medulloblastoma: A type of brain tumor that starts in the lower back part of the brain.
• Neuroblastoma: A cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and can affect various parts of the body, including the adrenal glands, neck, chest, or spinal cord.

Characteristics

Blastomas are typically characterized by their rapid growth and ability to spread to other parts of the body. They often present with symptoms such as fatigue, decreased appetite, and a lump in the affected area.

Treatment

The treatment for blastoma depends on the type and location of the cancer. In some cases, practitioners may go directly into treatment, while in others, they may perform genetic testing to determine the best course of action.

• Retinoblastoma: Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
• Medulloblastoma: Treatment often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
• Neuroblastoma: Treatment may involve chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

References

[1] A blastoma is a type of cancer caused by malignancies in precursor cells, which are commonly referred to as blasts. [3] A blastoma (embryoma) is a malignant neoplasm of mixed mesenchymal, epithelial, and nondifferentiated blastemous elements that mimics embryonic development of the ... [7

Blastoma, a type of cancer that affects various parts of the body, can exhibit a range of signs and symptoms. Here are some common ones:

• Abdominal mass or swelling: A large lump or swelling in the abdomen is often one of the first noticeable symptoms of pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) [1].
• Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdominal area can be a symptom of various types of blastomas, including PPB and pancreatoblastoma [2][6].
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to liver dysfunction is a possible sign of pancreatoblastoma [6].
• Lumps under the skin: A mass or lump just under the skin can be a symptom of blastomas, such as PPB or neuroblastoma [3][4].
• Changes in bowel habits: Diarrhea or constipation can occur due to compression or obstruction caused by the tumor [2][4].
• Weight loss or lack of appetite: A decrease in appetite and subsequent weight loss are common symptoms of various types of cancers, including blastomas [5][9].
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a nonspecific symptom that can be associated with many conditions, including cancer [8][10].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the specific type and location of the blastoma. If you suspect someone has a blastoma, it's crucial to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Symptoms include a large abdominal mass, abdominal swelling or pain, and jaundice. Pleuropulmonary blastoma. Symptoms of pleuropulmonary ... (Search Result 1)

[2] Nov 4, 2022 — Symptoms · Abdominal pain · A mass under the skin that isn't tender when touched · Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. (Search Result 2)

[3] Apr 28, 2021 — One of the most common signs of a neuroblastoma is a large lump or swelling in the child's abdomen. The child might not want to eat (which can lead to weight ... (Search Result 3)

[4] September 1, 2023 - Symptoms include: Bump or lump in the neck, chest, pelvis or abdomen (belly), or several lumps just under the skin that may appear blue or purple (in infants). Bulging eyes or dark circles under eyes (it may look like the child has a black eye). Diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach or loss ... (Search Result 4)

[5] Oct 9, 2024 — There are often symptoms of tiredness, being pale, loss of appetite, weight loss, bone pain and generalised discomfort. How is neuroblastoma ... (Search Result 13)

[6] May 20, 2024 - Previously unreported somatic variants ... blastoma with metastatic brain recurrence. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2021 May;68(5):e28825. Doi: 10.1002/pbc.28825. Epub 2020 Nov 30. PubMed PMID: 33258270; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9677809 · González IA, Mallinger P, Watson D, Harris AK, Messinger YH, Schultz KAP, Field A, Hill DA, Dehner LP. Expression of p53 is significantly associated with recurrence-free survival and overall survival ... (Search Result 14)

[7] These children may present with signs of pneumonia or other generalized symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, fatigue, loss of energy and decreased appetite. · Asymptomatic lesions revealed by a chest wall deformity or a tension pneumothorax have also been reported.[7] Typically, pleuropulmonary blastomas ... (Search Result 11)

[8] Oct 9, 2024 — There are often symptoms of tiredness, being pale, loss of appetite, weight loss, bone pain and generalised discomfort. How is neuroblastoma ... (Search Result 13)

[9] May 20, 2024 - Previously unreported somatic variants ... blastoma with metastatic brain recurrence. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2021 May;68(5):e28825. Doi: 10.1002/pbc.28825. Epub 2020 Nov 30. PubMed PMID: 33258270; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9677809 · González IA, Mallinger P, Watson D, Harris AK, Messinger YH, Schultz KAP, Field A, Hill DA, Dehner LP. Expression of p53 is significantly associated with recurrence-free survival and overall survival ... (Search Result 14)

[10] 2 weeks ago - Glioblastoma, previously known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is the most aggressive and most common type of cancer that originates in the brain, and has a very poor prognosis for survival. Initial signs and symptoms of glioblastoma are nonspecific. They may include headaches, personality ... (Search Result 15)

Diagnostic Tests for Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects children, can be diagnosed using various tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to detect neuroblastoma:

• Imaging tests: These include X-rays, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scans, metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans [2][4]. These tests can help identify the location and size of the tumor.
• Blood and urine tests: These tests can detect abnormalities in the blood and urine, such as anemia and high levels of catecholamines [7][5].
• Urine testing: A urine test may be used to check for neuroblastoma, especially if there are symptoms such as abdominal pain or weight loss [9].
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the tumor and examining it under a microscope. This can help confirm the diagnosis of neuroblastoma [8][3].

Additional Tests

Other tests that may be used to diagnose neuroblastoma include:

• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: This test involves removing a sample of bone marrow and examining it for cancer cells.
• Liver function tests: These tests can help determine if the liver is affected by the tumor.

It's worth noting that there is no standard or routine screening test used to find neuroblastoma [9]. However, early detection and diagnosis are crucial in treating this type of cancer effectively.

References:

[1] Not provided [2] Nov 4, 2022 — Imaging tests may include an X-ray, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan, metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. [3] Diagnostic Tests · Physical Exam · Blood and Urine Tests · Ultrasound · CT Scan · MRI Scan · MIBG Scan · Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy · Surgical Biopsy. If ... [4] X-ray. X-rays are often taken early in the neuroblastoma diagnosis process. X-rays are pictures of specific parts of the inside of the body. · Ultrasound · CT ... [5] Tests such as urine, blood tests and ultrasound can be used to diagnose or rule out neuroblastoma. [6] Dec 18, 2023 — Laboratory studies should include the following: Urine collection for catecholamines (VMA/HVA) and UA, Liver function tests. [7] How is neuroblastoma diagnosed? · Blood and urine tests: To check for anemia and abnormalities in the blood, your child's provider will order a complete blood ... [8] How is neuroblastoma diagnosed? · CT and MRI · MIBG Scan · Tissue Biopsy · Urine Testing · Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy · New Patient Appointments. [9] Jul 24, 2023 — There is no standard or routine screening test used to find neuroblastoma. A urine test is sometimes used to check for neuroblastoma, usually ...

Treatment Options for Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma treatment may include various drug therapies, which can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for neuroblastoma. It involves the use of medications to kill cancer cells. The chemotherapy drugs used for neuroblastoma may include:
  • Ifosfamide [5]
  • Vindesine [5]
  • Thiotepa [5]
  • Dacarbazine [5]
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules on or inside cancer cells, stopping their growth and spread. This type of treatment is still being researched for neuroblastoma.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy involves using the body's immune system to fight cancer. It may be used in combination with other treatments.

Treatment Regimens

The goal of induction therapy is to eliminate visible disease and achieve remission. Induction regimens typically include five to eight cycles of intensive chemotherapy, including alkylators, platinum, and topoisomerase drugs [15].

Some children with neuroblastoma are treated with chemo either before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy). In other cases, especially when the cancer has spread too far to be removed completely by surgery, chemo is the main treatment [10].

Recent Research

A recent study, BEACON-Neuroblastoma, showed that adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy can shrink more relapsed and refractory neuroblastomas. The proportion of children and young people who responded to treatment increased from 18 in every 100 who received chemotherapy alone to 26 in every 100 given the new drug combination [14].

References: [1] - This page lists cancer drugs approved by the FDA for neuroblastoma. [5] - This includes chemotherapy drugs such as: ifosfamide; vindesine; thiotepa; darcarbazine. [10] - Some children with neuroblastoma are treated with chemo either before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy). [14] - Overall, BEACON-Neuroblastoma showed adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy can shrink more relapsed and refractory neuroblastomas. [15] - Treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. 3.1. Induction. The goal of induction is to eliminate visible disease and achieve remission.

The differential diagnosis of blastoma, a type of cancerous growth on a developing cell in a fetus or child, includes several conditions that may be mistaken for it.

According to the search results, Wilms tumor and lymphoma are two malignant lesions that might be mistaken for neuroblastoma, which is another type of cancer that can affect children (1). Additionally, blastomas can sometimes be confused with nonneoplastic lesions, particularly in young children (1).

Other conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of blastoma include:

• Spindle cell carcinoma (SpSCC), which is a type of cancer that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body (5)
• Malignant teratoma, another type of cancer that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body (5)
• Pleomorphic carcinoma, spindle cell carcinoma, giant cell carcinoma, carcinosarcoma, and other forms of small lung cancer (SLC) (6)

It's also worth noting that blastomas can be associated with hereditary conditions that increase the risk of developing this type of cancer (2).

References:

(1) Wilms tumor and lymphoma are 2 malignant lesions that might be mistaken for neuroblastoma. (2) A blastoma is a cancerous growth on a developing cell in a fetus or child. Sometimes, a hereditary condition will increase the risk of blastoma. (5) The differential diagnosis includes SpSCC and malignant teratoma. SpSCC is the most common of these three tumors. The spindle cell elements dominate SpSCC, with ... (6) The differential diagnosis should include other forms of SLC (pleomorphic carcinoma, spindle cell carcinoma, giant cell carcinoma, carcinosarcoma and ...