What is the Difference Between Neuroblastoma and Wilms Tumor?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, are both common childhood cancers that present as abdominal masses. However, they have distinct differences in their characteristics and treatments.
Neuroblastoma:
- Most common extra-cranial tumor in childhood.
- Commonly presents as an abdominal mass.
- Calcification is very common (90% of cases).
- Younger age group (<2 years of age).
- Poorly marginated.
- Elevates the aorta away from the vertebral column.
- More commonly crosses the midline, especially behind the aorta.
- Treatment aims to preserve both kidneys.
- The treatment depends on the child's risk group, tumor stage, age, and other test results.
Wilms Tumor:
- Most common renal tumor in childhood.
- Commonly presents as abdominal pathology.
- Claw sign is often seen.
- Slightly older age group (peak 3-4 years of age).
- Well-circumscribed.
- Extension into the inferior vena cava (IVC) or renal vein.
- Bone metastases are rare, while lung metastases are common.
- Extension into the spinal canal is never seen.
- Retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy is uncommon.
- Higher incidence of hemorrhage.
- Treatment usually involves nephrectomy.
Distinguishing between neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor is crucial, as the surgical management and treatment strategies differ significantly. A thorough pre-operative work-up, including a detailed history, physical examination, laboratory evaluation, and diagnostic imaging, can help establish the correct diagnosis.
Comparative Table: Neuroblastoma vs Wilms Tumor
Neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor are both childhood cancers that typically present as large abdominal masses. However, they have distinct differences in their characteristics and management. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between the two:
Feature | Neuroblastoma | Wilms Tumor |
---|---|---|
Origin | Develops from immature nerve cells, typically in the adrenal glands | Develops in the kidneys |
Age at Diagnosis | Peak at 3-4 years of age | Most common in children under 5 years |
Calcification | Common (90%) | Rare |
Lung Metastases | Common | Rare |
Bone Metastases | Rare | Rare |
Hemorrhage | Higher incidence | Lower incidence |
Kidney Extension | Claw sign (extension into the kidney) | Elevation of the aorta away from the vertebral column |
Spinal Canal Extension | Never seen | Rare |
Lymphadenopathy | Uncommon | Common |
Distinguishing between neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor is important due to the differences in their natural histories and typical clinical courses. Early distinction can help in the appropriate management and treatment of these tumors.
- Neuroblastoma vs Medulloblastoma
- Neuroblastoma vs Pheochromocytoma
- Glioma vs Glioblastoma
- Neurofibroma vs Schwannoma
- Astrocytoma vs Glioblastoma
- Brain Tumor vs Brain Cancer
- Neurofibroma vs Neurofibromatosis
- Ependymoma vs Subependymoma
- Burkitt Lymphoma vs Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Meningioma vs Glioma
- Lipoma vs Neurofibroma
- Leukemia vs Lymphoma
- Cyst vs Tumor
- Tumour vs Cancer
- Hodgkin vs Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Bone Cancer vs Leukemia
- Hemangioma vs Meningioma
- Prostate Cancer vs Testicular Cancer
- B Cell vs T Cell Lymphoma