This system takes into account the results from imaging tests (such as CT or MRI and MIBG scan) to help defining Neuroblastoma stage and child’s risk group. In contrary to INSS, this can be done before treatment has started.
- stage L1 – the tumour has not spread and it is confined to one area of body (such as neck, chest, or abdomen); it can be removed by surgery;
- stage L2 – the tumour is localised but has ‘image-defined risk factors’ and cannot be safely removed by surgery.
- stage M – the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body;
- stage Ms – the cancer has spread to the skin, liver and/or bone marrow in children younger than 18 months. No more than 10% of marrow cells are cancerous.