What is the Difference Between Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma?

Neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma are two different types of pediatric brain tumors that share some similarities but also have distinct differences. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Origin: Neuroblastoma is a cancer of immature nerve cells that typically starts outside of the brain, usually in the nerve tissue near the upper spine, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. Medulloblastoma, on the other hand, is a brain cancer that starts in the lower back part of the brain called the cerebellum.
2. Metastasis: Medulloblastomas primarily metastasize within the central nervous system (CNS), while neuroblastomas mainly metastasize to lymph nodes, bone, bone marrow, and, in infants, also spread to the liver and subcutaneous tissue.
3. Histology: There is more heterogeneity in the underlying neuroblastoma pathology, including a higher stromal component. Medulloblastoma, however, is distinguished by elevated PC, glycine, and scylloinositol, markers of increased cell proliferation.
4. Inheritance: Neuroblastoma can be inherited, but medulloblastoma is not inherited.

These two tumors are both connected to the nervous system, are types of embryonal tumors, and are common in children. They have similar treatment regimens, such as surgery and radiation, and are both rare in adults.

Comparative Table: Neuroblastoma vs Medulloblastoma

Here is a table comparing the differences between neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma:

Please note that the above table is based on the provided search results, which offer a concise summary of the differences between these two types of pediatric tumors.