Sonographic Evaluation of Neuroblastoma

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is a malignancy arising from the sympathetic nervous system that accounts for approximately 7% of childhood cancers. Most occur between the ages of 2 months and 2 years. The majority arises in the adrenal medulla but may also occur in the neck, chest, or pelvis. Diagnostic medical sonography is a significant imaging tool that involves no radiation exposure for detecting neuroblastoma. Further imaging studies are needed so that the stage and spread of the disease can be determined. Factors including age, MYCN (v-myc myelocytomatosis viral-related oncogene) amplification, and stage are used to determine treatment and prognosis of a child with neuroblastoma. This case demonstrates the sonographic findings of an 8-month-old child with stage IV neuroblastoma.