Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer that effects 650 infants and young children every year. It is one of the more common childhood cancers, but how many survive it? As with any cancer, no matter at what age, it’s best to catch it early for the best possible survival.
On average, the five year survival rate after treatment is about 56 %. However, each stage has its own advances of the disease. These rates are just an average estimate. Each individual case will be different. Treatment for Neuroblastoma can include surgery, chemo or radiation therapy, or stem cell transplants. The parent and the Dr’s will see which one is best for the child, according to his/her age.
Stage 1. The cancer is in the area where it started. Tumors that are seen, can be removed by surgery. Survival rate for this is 90%, or more.
Stage 2. (A). Cancer is still in the area where it started, but ALL tumors seen at this stage cannot be taken out by surgery. There is a 75% – 90% survival rate in this stage.
Stage 2 (B). At this stage, the cancer has not really spread, but it is hard to tell if the tumors can be completely taken out or not. Survival rate at this stage is 50% – 70% in babies, and 80% in children over a year old.
Stage 3. The cancer has started to spread now. It will cross the spine to the other side of the body. It will be impossible to get all the tumors by surgery, at this stage. Chemo and/or radiation maybe suggested now. But the survival rate in this stage is still pretty good. 50% – 70% for babies, and 80% for children over a year.
Stage 4. The cancer is getting to other parts of the body now. Bone, the marrow of the bone, liver are just a few of the body parts effected now. Survival rates are now beginning to diminish somewhat. 50% – 80%.
Stage 4 (S). The cancer at this stage is spreading on one side of the body, it most likely is in the bone marrow at this point. but even though less than 10% of the cells are affected, the survival rate is low. 10% – 40%.
Studies have brought to light that the Neuroblastoma in children, the survival rate depends on the difficulty in diagnosis of it, and on how the child is reacting to treatment. According to reports, early diagnosis, combined with the complete removal of the initial tumor, greatly increase the chances of survival.
