What is neuroblastoma?

Last medical review:

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that starts in immature nerve cells (neuroblasts) in the sympathetic nervous system. A cancerous (malignant) tumour is a group of cancer cells that can grow into nearby tissue and destroy it. The tumour can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

The sympathetic nervous system is part of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry signals or messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to different parts of the body. The nervous system is made up of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that prepares the body for action. The nerves in this system control the fight-or-flight response. They respond to situations where you need strength and awareness, such as those that cause fear, anger, excitement or embarrassment.

Diagram of the nervous system
Diagram of the nervous system

Neuroblastoma most commonly occurs in babies and young children. It can develop anywhere in the sympathetic nervous system, but it starts most often in the abdomen in the adrenal gland that lies just above the kidney. It can also start near the spinal cord in the neck, chest or pelvis.

Changes to neuroblasts can also cause non-cancerous (benign) conditions such as ganglioneuroma.

In rare cases, changes to neuroblasts can lead to ganglioneuroblastoma. This is a rare tumour that is somewhere between non-cancerous and cancerous.

Some neuroblastomas, particularly in babies, can slowly disappear on their own without treatment (called spontaneous regression), or can mature into a benign form such as ganglioneuroma.

Expert review and references

  • Meredith Irwin, MD
  • Daniel Morgenstern, MD

Anatomy and physiology of the nervous system

Neuroblastoma starts in immature nerve cells in the sympathetic nervous system. It is part of the nervous system.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2024 Canadian Cancer Society