Ganglioneuroblastoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ganglioneuroblastoma?
Most people with ganglioneuroblastoma are treated by a team that often includes an oncologist, a surgeon, and a radiologist. Children are usually treated at centers specializing in childhood cancer, and a pediatrician often coordinates referrals. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Ganglioneuroblastoma is a rare nerve tissue tumor made of two kinds of cells: some are mature and calm, like those in a harmless growth called a ganglioneuroma, and some are immature and can grow quickly, like those in a cancer called neuroblastoma. It most often starts in the adrenal glands on top of the kidneys or along the spine in the belly or chest.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is and how big it gets. Many children first show a lump or swelling in the belly, or belly pain. A chest tumor can cause coughing or trouble breathing. Some children lose weight or feel tired. Leg weakness or bladder problems from pressure on the spinal cord need medical attention right away.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes ganglioneuroblastoma. It begins when young nerve cells, called neuroblasts, grow in an unusual way. In most cases nothing the parents did caused it. It is found almost always in children, most often before age ten.
How doctors diagnose it
Diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI, and blood and urine tests. The most important step is a biopsy, which shows how many immature cells are present and helps guide treatment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the mix of cells, where the tumor is, and whether it has spread. Surgery is often the first step and may be enough if the cells are mostly mature. Tumors with more immature cells may need chemotherapy or radiation.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a child has a lump in the belly or neck, ongoing belly pain, unexplained weight loss, or constant tiredness. Trouble breathing, leg weakness, or loss of bladder control needs care right away.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor, who charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, or a concierge doctor, who usually charges more and often works alongside insurance, can order first tests, watch symptoms, and explain results between specialist visits. When cancer care is needed, they will refer the patient to an oncologist or a children's cancer center.
Common questions
Is ganglioneuroblastoma cancer?
It is in between a harmless growth and a cancer. It contains some immature cells that can grow and spread like cancer, so doctors treat it seriously. The outlook depends on how many immature cells the tumor has.
Can adults get ganglioneuroblastoma?
It is very rare in adults. Almost all cases happen in young children. Adults who have similar nerve tumors usually have the fully benign type called ganglioneuroma.
Does surgery cure it?
Surgery removes the tumor, and for tumors with mostly mature cells that may be all the treatment needed. Tumors with many immature cells may need chemotherapy or radiation too. Results differ from person to person, so the care team gives the best picture for each case.
Can it come back after treatment?
Some tumors can return, which is why doctors schedule follow-up visits with exams and imaging tests. How closely a child is watched depends on the type of tumor. The care team will explain the follow-up plan.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Neuroblastoma
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Hirschsprung disease-ganglioneuroblastoma syndrome
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
