Neuroblastoma
Original Editors - Colleen Mathews from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
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Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
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Prevalence[edit | edit source]
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Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
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Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Etiology/Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
Neuroblastoma left untreated can metastasize to other systems in the body mentioned above in the Characteristics/Clinical Presentation. The multiple systems can be affected by a primary or a metastasized tumor. Treatments for neuroblastoma such as chemotherapy and radiation can affect multiple systems. The following systems can be affected including; Nervous System, Musculoskeletal System, Gastrointestinal System, Urogenital, and Cardiopulmonary, Reproductive, and Integumentary System.
Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)
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Quality of life is an important theme when it comes to treating children with neuroblastoma and any form of childhood cancer. Side effects of the cancer treatment/medication (chemotherapy, radiation, etc.) and symptoms of the cancer itself can lead to a risk of the following musculoskeletal and neurological issues.
- Neurological changes including (peripheral neuropathy and radiculopathy)
- Musculoskeletal changes (disuse atrophy and joint contractures due to radiation fibrosis)
- Developmental Delay
- A generalized effect of decrease in endurance, increase fatigue, and decreased strength
The effects are not isolated to physical losses, but also include psychosocial changes as well. The following are included in psychosocial considerations when treating a child with neuroblastoma and cancer.
- Depression and anxiety
- Poor self-esteem
- Loss of purpose (due to the fact that most have changes in school life, social changes, and family life)
- Social Isolation
- Behavioral Issues
Research has also found late effects of childhood cancers including the following presentations.
- Sensory changes (eyesight changes and hearing loss)
- Developmental Changes (learning disabilities and functional deficits)
- System Changes (reproductive issues, cardiopulmonary disease, osteoporosis, uneven growth of limbs, and decreased overall growth)
- Increased risk of secondary cancer
The above presentations are important in screening and for determining the physical therapy treatment of a child who presents with cancer or neuroblastoma. Physical therapy treatment should include a variety of considerations to address the limitations or deficits of the individual patient. Therapists can utilize when possible, group therapy to decrease social isolation and to develop psychosocial benefits. Wii rehabilitation treatment can address many deficits in the child with cancer such as balance, strength, and endurance. Overall, PT treatment has been proven through research to benefit the quality of life in a cancer patient of either a terminal or treatable diagnoses.
Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
None found thus far that is supported by current evidence.
Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports/ Case Studies[edit | edit source]
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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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