Blastoma

Cytology of precursor (blast) cell

Blastoma refers to a type of cancer that is caused by malignancies in precursor cells, often referred to as blasts. These cells are immature or embryonic cells that normally develop into different types of cells or tissues within the body. Blastomas are more common in children than in adults, due to the nature of the cells involved. The term "blastoma" is often part of a more specific name for a tumor, indicating the tissue of origin or the type of cell that has become cancerous.

Types of Blastoma

Several types of blastoma affect different parts of the body, each with its unique characteristics and treatment approaches. Some of the more common types include:

• Neuroblastoma: This cancer develops from immature nerve cells found in various parts of the body but is most commonly found in and around the adrenal glands. It primarily affects children.
• Retinoblastoma: A cancer that starts in the retina, the part of the eye that detects light and color. Retinoblastoma is most commonly diagnosed in young children.
• Hepatoblastoma: This is a rare cancer that originates in the liver. Hepatoblastoma mostly affects children under the age of 3.
• Medulloblastoma: A type of brain tumor that starts in the cerebellum, the lower part of the brain. It is the most common brain tumor in children.
• Wilms' tumor (Nephroblastoma): A kidney cancer that primarily affects children. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of blastoma vary widely depending on the type of blastoma and its location. Common symptoms may include pain, swelling or lumps in certain areas of the body, unexplained weight loss, fever, and fatigue. Specific types of blastoma, such as retinoblastoma, may also cause more specific symptoms like changes in eye appearance.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing blastoma typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, imaging tests (such as MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound), and biopsy procedures to examine tissue samples for cancer cells. Genetic testing may also be conducted, especially for cancers like retinoblastoma, where a hereditary component may be involved.

Treatment

Treatment for blastoma varies depending on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. Common treatment options include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and, in some cases, stem cell transplant or targeted therapy. The treatment plan is often developed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Prognosis

The prognosis for blastoma patients can vary widely based on the type of blastoma, its stage at diagnosis, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. Advances in medical research and treatment methods have significantly improved the survival rates for many types of blastoma, especially when diagnosed early.

Research

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying blastoma development. This research aims to develop more effective and less toxic treatments, improve diagnostic methods, and ultimately, find ways to prevent these cancers from developing.