Neuroblastoma's first symptoms are often vague and may include fatigue and loss of appetite. Later on, symptoms depend on where the tumor takes root within the body. A tumor in the abdomen may cause a swollen belly and constipation. A tumor in the chest may cause breathing problems. Tumors pressing on the spinal cord cause a feeling of weakness. When this occurs, the child may be unable to walk. Because symptoms are so unclear, half of all neuroblastomas have already spread to other parts of the body by the time suspicions are raised and a diagnosis is made.
