Below are the stages used for neuroblastoma:

Stage 1

In stage 1, the tumor is in only one area and all of the tumor that can be seen is completely removed during surgery.

Stage 2

Stage 2 is divided into stage 2A and 2B.

• Stage 2A: The tumor is in only one area and all of the tumor that can be seen cannot be completely removed during surgery.
• Stage 2B: The tumor is in only one area and all of the tumor that can be seen may be completely removed during surgery. Cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes near the tumor.

Stage 3

In stage 3, one of the following is true:

• the tumor cannot be completely removed during surgery and has spread from one side of the body to the other side and may also have spread to nearby lymph nodes; or
• the tumor is in only one area, on one side of the body, but has spread to lymph nodes on the other side of the body; or
• the tumor is in the middle of the body and has spread to tissues or lymph nodes on both sides of the body, and the tumor cannot be removed by surgery.

Stage 4

Stage 4 is divided into stage 4 and stage 4S.

• In stage 4, the tumor has spread to distant lymph nodes, the skin, or other parts of the body.
• In stage 4S, the following are true:
  • the child is younger than 1 year; and
  • the cancer has spread to the skin, liver, and/or bone marrow; and
  • the tumor is in only one area and all of the tumor that can be seen may be completely removed during surgery; and/or
  • cancer cells may be found in the lymph nodes near the tumor.

Information from: The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov)