Stages of Neuroblastoma
Localized Resectable
Cancer is confined to the site of origin, there is no evidence of spread, and the cancer can be surgically removed.
Localized Unresectable
Cancer is confined to the site of origin, but the cancer cannot be completely removed surgically.
Regional
Cancer has extended beyond the site of origin to regional lymph nodes and/or surrounding organs or tissues, but has not spread to distant parts of the body.
Disseminated
Cancer has spread from the site of origin to distant lymph nodes, bone, liver, skin, bone marrow, and/or other organs (except as defined for stage 4S).
Stage 4S
Also called "special" neuroblastoma because it is treated differently. The cancer is localized, with dissemination (spread) limited to liver, skin, and/or, to a very limited extent, bone marrow.
Recurrent
The cancer has come back after it has been treated. It may come back in the area where it first started or in another part of the body.