Blastoma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Neelesh Kanderi , Oncologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Blastomas are malignancies that arise from precursor cells, or "blasts," typically during the embryonic development phase. These tumours can occur in various tissues and organs, leading to diverse forms of the disease. The most common types include neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma (Wilms' tumour), hepatoblastoma, and pleuropulmonary blastoma.

What Are the Types of Blastoma?

Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma originates in the adrenal glands but can also develop in nerve tissues along the spine, chest, abdomen, or neck. It is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children and accounts for a significant percentage of infant cancer diagnoses.

Nephroblastoma (Wilms' Tumor)

Wilms' tumour, or nephroblastoma, is a kidney cancer that primarily affects children. It's typically diagnosed in children aged three to four years and is highly treatable when detected early.

Hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma is a rare liver cancer affecting infants and young children. It usually presents as a mass in the abdomen and is most often diagnosed before the age of three.

Pleuropulmonary Blastoma

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare, aggressive tumour of the lung and pleura. It is classified into three types based on its progression: Type I (cystic), Type II (cystic/solid), and Type III (solid).

What Are the Symptoms of Blastoma?

The symptoms of blastoma vary depending on the type and location of the tumour. However, common symptoms include:

Neuroblastoma: Abdominal pain, a palpable lump, weight loss, and fatigue. In some cases, it may cause changes in bowel habits or neurological symptoms if the tumour compresses spinal nerves.
Nephroblastoma: Swelling or a mass in the abdomen, fever, blood in the urine, and hypertension.
Hepatoblastoma: Abdominal swelling, weight loss, jaundice, and nausea.
Pleuropulmonary Blastoma: Respiratory distress, cough, fever, and chest pain.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Blastoma?

The exact causes of blastoma are not well understood, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Some known risk factors include:

Genetic Mutations: Certain hereditary syndromes, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, increase the risk of developing blastomas.
Family History: A family history of certain cancers can predispose individuals to blastomas.
Environmental Exposures: Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy may increase the risk, although evidence is limited.

When to See a Doctor for Blastoma?

Urgent evaluation by an oncologist or pediatric oncologist is essential when symptoms suggest a blastoma tumor. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes for these aggressive cancers.

You should see a doctor if you have:

A rapidly growing lump or mass anywhere on the body
Persistent pain, swelling, or changes in organ function
Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe pain, breathing difficulties, or neurological changes
Sudden vision loss, severe headaches, or seizures
Abdominal distension with vomiting or inability to urinate

These could be signs of a serious complication like tumor rupture or metastasis, which needs urgent care.

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How is Blastoma Diagnosed?

Diagnostic procedures for blastoma involve a combination of imaging, laboratory tests, and biopsies. Key methods include:

Radiology and Imaging: Techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and X-rays are crucial in identifying the tumour's location and extent. Specifically, pleuropulmonary blastoma radiology can reveal cystic or solid masses in the lungs.
Biopsy: A biopsy involves extracting a small sample of tissue for histopathological examination. This helps in confirming the type of blastoma and its aggressiveness.
Laboratory Tests: Blood and urine tests can detect tumour markers that are indicative of certain blastomas.

What Are the Treatment Options for Blastoma?

The treatment of blastoma depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the tumour, the patient's age, and overall health. Common treatments include:

Surgery

Surgical intervention is often the first line of treatment, especially for localized tumours. The goal is to remove the tumour entirely while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is commonly used in conjunction with surgery. It is especially important in treating tumours that have spread or are inoperable.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It is often used for tumours that cannot be surgically removed or to eliminate residual cancer cells post-surgery.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves drugs that specifically target cancer cell genes, proteins, or the tissue environment contributing to cancer growth. This approach can be less harmful to normal cells than traditional chemotherapy.

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What Is the Recovery Process for Blastoma?

Recovery from a blastoma depends on the type of tumor (such as neuroblastoma, nephroblastoma/Wilms tumor, hepatoblastoma, or pleuropulmonary blastoma), its stage, the treatments received, and the child's overall health. Many children recover well with timely treatment, but long-term follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence and manage any treatment-related effects.

Complete the full treatment plan, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplantation, as recommended by your healthcare team.
Attend regular follow-up visits, imaging studies, and blood tests to monitor recovery, detect recurrence early, and evaluate overall health.
Maintain a nutritious diet, adequate hydration, and sufficient rest to support healing and recovery after treatment.
Participate in physical rehabilitation or supportive therapies if surgery or cancer treatment affects strength, mobility, or daily activities.
Monitor for and manage long-term treatment effects, such as growth delays, hearing changes, heart problems, kidney function changes, or learning difficulties, depending on the type of blastoma and treatment received.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop persistent fever, severe pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained bleeding, rapid swelling, recurrent vomiting, or any new symptoms that could indicate complications or tumor recurrence.