The biggest problem with Neuroblastoma is awareness
We need to get awareness with neuroblastoma and how it mimic ms normal childhood conditions. We need more testing at district hospitals so children can be fast tracked to a specialist centre. A simple urine sample can be sent to the lab and be tested for catecholamines detected in the urine. Urinary catecholamine metabolites are found in more the 85% of people with neuroblastoma. Catecholamines are organic compounds that include the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine. Release of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla of the adrenal glands is part of the body's natural "fight-or-flight" response to a harmful situation, preparing itself to either quickly leave the area or stay to fight. Eventually, the body breaks down the catecholamine molecules into smaller pieces, called metabolites, which are then passed out of the body in the urine. The 2 catecholamine metabolites most often measured are homovanillic acid (HVA) or vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). We aim to get district hospitals to automatically send for this test if the child is showing symptoms.