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Dark circles under the eyes can be a sign of this deadly cancer in children; Know all about Neuroblastoma
If your child has dark circles around his eyes, take it seriously and see a doctor, as it could be a sign of malignant neuroblastoma – a type of cancer that forms in immature nerve cells in the adrenal glands, neck . , chest, abdomen, or spine. Doctors say that when tumors start growing around the eyes, sometimes bleeding occurs, due to which these circles are formed. Read on to know more.
Although Neuroblastoma does not show symptoms in the early stages, it results in the formation of dark circles under the eyes.
Dark circles and eye bags are common, and most people have them at some point in their lives. The most common misconception is that you can’t sleep and are tired. While experts say it may be a natural part of aging or less exposure to sunlight, dark circles also reflect everything about your health.
Doctors say that dark circles under the eyes affect people of all ages, castes and genders. The degree of dark circles also varies across skin types and is most common in those with:
- elderly
- Have a family history of dark circles under their eyes
- dark skin color
What causes dark circles?
According to experts, while most of the time these can be easily treated – by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food and using caffeine eye products, in some cases they can be symptoms of something more serious happening in your body.
Dark circles can be caused by neuroblastoma – a type of cancer that forms in immature nerve cells in the adrenal glands, neck, chest, abdomen or spine. Although the condition does not show any symptoms in its early stages – it presents itself as dark circles under the eyes.
How does Neuroblastoma cause dark circles?
Doctors say neuroblastoma spreads to the bones of the skull and around the eyes – known as the orbits. This causes dark circles as the tumor sometimes bleeds.
Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that affects children – mostly under the age of 5 and starts in the abdominal area. In adults, it is extremely rare, affecting one in 10 million adults each year. Doctors say the condition is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms can easily masquerade as other conditions. And hence, early diagnosis can help in complete treatment of the deadly disease.
Other Neuroblastoma signs and symptoms
Some other signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma that you should pay attention to include:
- extreme fatigue
- a lump or swollen area in the abdomen
- bone pain
- weak parts
- bulging eyes
- droopy eyelids
- frequent constipation
What causes neuroblastoma?,
Doctors say that neuroblastoma occurs when neuroblasts grow out of control instead of developing into nerve cells. A defect in the gene of the neuroblast allows it to divide this way and the tendency to get this type of cancer can be passed from parent to child.
If doctors suspect neuroblastoma, they will order tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of symptoms. Some of these tests will include:
- urine and blood tests
- a biopsy
- a bone marrow aspiration
- The doctor will also order an MIBG scan – when a low-dose radioactive material is attached to a molecule which is then injected into the baby. The neuroblastoma cells will absorb the MIBG and the doctor can see where the cancer cells are in the body during the scan.
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