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Neuroblastoma Center - West Des Moines, IA

West Des Moines Oncologist Doctors for Neuroblastoma

Type of Physician: Oncologist

What is a Oncologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; the oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors. These subspecialists decide on and administer chemotherapy as well as consult with surgeons and radiotherapists on other treatment for cancer.

Specialty: Oncology (Medical)

Common Name: Cancer Doctor

Oncologist Doctors in West Des Moines *

Medical Oncology & Hematology Associates
Angela E Sandre
1221 Pleasant St
STE 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 282-2921

Mercy Medical Center
Jan Franko
1111 6th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 643-2084

McFarland Clinic Oncology
Debra M Prow
1215 Duff Ave
William R Bliss Cancer Ctr
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 239-4401

West Des Moines, Iowa

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Neuroblastoma

What is neuroblastoma?

Neuroblastoma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in nerve tissue of the adrenal gland, neck, chest, or spinal cord.

Neuroblastoma often begins in the nerve tissue of the adrenal glands. There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney in the back of the upper abdomen. The adrenal glands produce important hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and the way the body reacts to stress. Neuroblastoma may also begin in the chest, in nerve tissue near the spine in the neck, or in the spinal cord.

Neuroblastoma most often begins during early childhood, usually in children younger than 5 years. It sometimes forms before birth but is usually found later, when the tumor begins to grow and cause symptoms. In rare cases, neuroblastoma may be found before birth by fetal ultrasound.

By the time neuroblastoma is diagnosed, the cancer has usually metastasized (spread), most often to the lymph nodes, bones, bone marrow, liver, and skin.

Possible signs of neuroblastoma include bone pain and a lump in the abdomen, neck, or chest.

The most common symptoms of neuroblastoma are caused by the tumor pressing on nearby tissues as it grows or by cancer spreading to the bone. These and other symptoms may be caused by neuroblastoma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

  • Lump in the abdomen, neck, or chest.
  • Bulging eyes.
  • Dark circles around the eyes ("black eyes").
  • Bone pain.
  • Swollen stomach and trouble breathing in infants.
  • Painless, bluish lumps under the skin in infants.
  • Weakness or paralysis (loss of ability to move a body part).

Less common signs of neuroblastoma include the following:

  • Fever.
  • Shortness of bre...

Recommended Reading Related to Neuroblastoma

CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) »

CT scan facts

  • CT scanning adds X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views of anatomy.
  • CT scanning can identify normal and abnormal structures and be used to guide procedures.
  • CT scanning is painless.
  • Iodine-containing contrast material is sometimes used in CT scanning. Patients with a history of allergy to iodine or contrast materials should notify their physicians and radiology staff.

What is a CT scan?

Computerized (or computed) tomography, and often formerly referred to as computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, is an X-ray procedure that combines many X-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Computerized tomography is more commonly known by its abbreviated names, CT ...

Emergency Contact for West Des Moines

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby West Des Moines Hospitals *

Mercy Franklin Center
1818 48th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515)271-6000

Blank Children's Hospital
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)241-5437

Iowa Methodist Medical Center
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)241-6212

VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines
3600 30th St
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515)699-5999

Broadlawns Medical Center
1801 Hickman Rd
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515)282-2200

Mercy Medical Center Des Moines
1111 6th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515)247-3121

Iowa Lutheran Hospital
700 E University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50316
(515)263-5612

Madison County Healthcare System
300 Hutchings St
Winterset, IA 50273
(515)462-2373

Dallas County Hospital
610 Tenth St
Perry, IA 50220
(515)465-3547

Mary Greeley Medical Center
1111 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
(515)239-2011

Boone County Hospital
1015 Union St
Boone, IA 50036
(515)432-3140

Story County Medical Center
630 Sixth St
Nevada, IA 50201
(515)382-2111

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