What is Blastoma?

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.

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.

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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).

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.

Causes and Risk Factors

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.

Diagnosis of Blastoma

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.

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.

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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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