Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and primarily affects infants and young children. It is caused by abnormal development of neuroblasts that form tumors, often producing excessive catecholamines including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test is the most important blood test for detecting neuroblastoma because it measures these elevated hormone levels.
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Neuroblastoma is caused by abnormal development of neuroblasts, which are immature nerve cells that normally mature into functioning nerve cells and adrenal tissue. Instead of maturing properly, these cells continue growing uncontrollably and form tumors, typically in the adrenal glands above the kidneys, but they can also develop in nerve tissue along the spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The exact trigger for this abnormal development is not fully understood, though genetic mutations and hereditary factors play a role in some cases.
The Catecholamines, Fractionated, Plasma test is the most important blood test for neuroblastoma because it detects elevated levels of catecholamines including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine that neuroblastoma tumors produce. These tumors characteristically overproduce these hormones, and measuring them in the blood helps support the diagnosis. While imaging studies and tissue biopsy are ultimately needed for definitive diagnosis, elevated catecholamine levels in blood work provide crucial biochemical evidence that guides further evaluation. This test is particularly valuable because approximately 90-95% of neuroblastoma cases show elevated catecholamines or their breakdown products.
You should get tested if your child shows concerning symptoms such as a firm lump or mass in the abdomen, persistent bone pain, unexplained fever, or unusual bruising around the eyes. Testing is also important if you notice unexplained weight loss, difficulty breathing, persistent diarrhea, or if your child has uncontrolled eye movements or difficulty walking. Since neuroblastoma primarily affects children under age 5, early testing when these symptoms appear can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
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What this means
Your norepinephrine level is elevated above the optimal range, which may indicate excess stress hormone production. While this can sometimes occur during periods of high stress or anxiety, persistently elevated levels may suggest a hormone-producing tumor or other medical condition that requires further evaluation.
Recommended actions
Discuss these results with your doctor, especially if you have symptoms like rapid heartbeat or high blood pressure
Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to check for hormone-producing tumors
Avoid stimulants like caffeine and ensure adequate rest before any repeat testing
Follow up with additional testing as recommended by your healthcare provider
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