Different types of neuronal tumors occur in children such as neurocytoma and neuroblastoma. I look for any evidence and details about the mechanism by which a neuron can develop a tumor.
When it comes to neuroblastomas, they develop from neuroblasts, primitive nerve cells differentiated from radial glial cells. Under normal conditions, it is these cells that would, after their migration phase, develop into neurons. But, sometimes neuroblasts are unable to differentiate into mature nerve cells or adrenal medulla cells, due to certain gene changes which occur during child's development (potentially even before birth) or, in rare cases, inherited DNA changes. Instead of undergoing normal differentiation, neuroblasts then continue to grow and divide - causing the occurence of a tumor. In general, neurons do not develop tumors but rather neuronal precursor cells fail to undergo proper differentiation which leads to their abnormal division and growth.
Suggested readings:
1. Castleberry RP. Neuroblastoma. Eur J Cancer. 1997;33(9):1430-1438. doi:10.1016/s0959-8049(97)00308-0
2. Izbicki T, Mazur J, Izbicka E. Epidemiology and etiology of neuroblastoma: an overview. Anticancer Res. 2003;23(1B):755-760.
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/neuroblastoma/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html#written_by
When it comes to neuroblastomas, they develop from neuroblasts, primitive nerve cells differentiated from radial glial cells. Under normal conditions, it is these cells that would, after their migration phase, develop into neurons. But, sometimes neuroblasts are unable to differentiate into mature nerve cells or adrenal medulla cells, due to certain gene changes which occur during child's development (potentially even before birth) or, in rare cases, inherited DNA changes. Instead of undergoing normal differentiation, neuroblasts then continue to grow and divide - causing the occurence of a tumor. In general, neurons do not develop tumors but rather neuronal precursor cells fail to undergo proper differentiation which leads to their abnormal division and growth.
Suggested readings:
1. Castleberry RP. Neuroblastoma. Eur J Cancer. 1997;33(9):1430-1438. doi:10.1016/s0959-8049(97)00308-0
2. Izbicki T, Mazur J, Izbicka E. Epidemiology and etiology of neuroblastoma: an overview. Anticancer Res. 2003;23(1B):755-760.
3. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/neuroblastoma/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html#written_by
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