What is a blastoma?

Blastoma is a general term used in medicine to refer to a type of cancer that originates from immature or embryonic cells. These tumors are typically malignant and can occur in various parts of the body. The word "blastoma" is derived from the Greek words "blastos," meaning germ or sprout, and "oma," meaning tumor.

Some common types of blastomas include:

1. Medulloblastoma: A highly malignant brain tumor that arises in the cerebellum, which is located at the back of the brain. It primarily affects children and is the most common malignant brain tumor in this age group.

2. Neuroblastoma: A cancer that develops from immature nerve cells (neuroblasts) and is most commonly found in infants and young children. It can occur in various locations, such as the abdomen, chest, or adrenal glands.

3. Retinoblastoma: A rare eye cancer that originates from the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It typically affects young children and can be inherited or sporadic.

4. Nephroblastoma, also known as Wilms' tumor: A type of kidney cancer that occurs almost exclusively in children and is the most common type of childhood kidney cancer. It arises from immature cells in the developing kidney.

5. Hepatoblastoma: A malignant liver tumor that affects infants and young children. It is the most common type of primary liver cancer in children.

6. Germ cell tumors: These are tumors that originate from the germ cells, which are the reproductive cells in the testes or ovaries. They can occur in children and adults and include tumors such as seminomas, dysgerminomas, and choriocarcinomas.

It's important to note that each type of blastoma has its own unique characteristics, risk factors, and treatment approaches. These tumors are often aggressive, requiring prompt medical attention and specialized treatment strategies to improve outcomes and increase survival rates. Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques, biopsies, and laboratory tests. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.