Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor derived from primitive neural crest cells. It belongs to a group of neuroblastic tumors, which include ganglioneuroblastoma (a malignant tumor comprised of mature ganglion cells and nerve fibers, regarded by many to be a fully differentiated neuroblastoma) and ganglioneuroma (a benign tumor composed of Schwann and ganglion cells).

Many parents say that it is difficult for them to understand the differences between neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroma. To further clarify, ganglioneuroblastoma is a cancerous neural tumor, however, most will act benign. A ganglioneuroblastoma may look similar to a neuroblastoma on imaging, but the prognosis is better for children with these tumors. A ganglioneuroma is a  well encapsulated non-cancerous tumor composed of mature ganglion cells and nerve fibers. Ganglioneuromas do not spread to other areas like cancerous tumors. Neuroblastoma is a cancerous tumor that arises from the tissues that form the sympathetic nervous system. It is an aggressive malignancy that tends to metastasize rapidly to other areas of the body.

Progress made in the past few decades has improved survival rates for infants and older children with localized disease. However, long-term survival for older children with metastatic (wide spread) disease at diagnosis remains poor.

Researchers study the clinical and biologic appearance of neuroblastoma to form a better understanding of the disease, the risk of recurrence, and to develop therapies based on factors other than age and stage.
Source: The Neuroblastoma Hope Foundation