Neuroblastoma is a complex and therapeutically challenging malignant disease in children. This tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, derived from pathologically maturing neural crest progenitor cells, is unique among pediatric cancers because of spontaneous regressions and catecholamine excretion. Causal treatment of cancer requires a comprehensive understanding of cancer etiology and pathogenesis. Yet, since no causative factors have been identified to date for neuroblastoma, the epidemiological and etiology data summarized in this report might shed more light on carcinogenesis and the outcomes of this pediatric cancer.