Cancer Health Center

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Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• Age of the child when diagnosed.
• Stage of the cancer.
• Where the tumor is in the body.
• Tumor histology (the shape, function, and structure of the tumor cells).
• Whether there is cancer in the lymph nodes.

Prognosis and treatment decisions for neuroblastoma are also affected by tumor biology, which includes:

• The patterns of the tumor cells.
• How different the tumor cells are from normal cells.
• How fast the tumor cells are growing.

The tumor biology is said to be favorable or unfavorable, depending on these factors. A favorable tumor biology means there is a better chance of recovery.

In some infants, neuroblastoma may disappear without treatment. The infant is closely watched for symptoms of neuroblastoma. If symptoms occur, treatment may be needed.