Neuroblastoma is by far the most common cancer in infants (less than 1 year old). It accounts for about 7% of all cancers in children. There are approximately 650 new cases of neuroblastoma each year in the United States. This number has remained about the same for many years.

The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 1 to 2 years. In rare cases, neuroblastoma is detected by ultrasound even before birth. Nearly 90% of cases are diagnosed by age 5. Neuroblastoma is extremely rare in people over the age of 10.

In about 2 of 3 cases, the disease is not diagnosed until it has already spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.

Last Medical Review: 10/22/2008
Last Revised: 10/22/2008