The Shimada index is a histopathologic classification system, widely used for neuroblastoma, developed by H. Shimada. Using the Shimada criteria, kids with neuroblastoma can be grouped into a favorable or unfavorable category. It's based on the presence or absence of cell stroma, the degree of differentiation, and the mitosis-karyorrhexis index. Another researcher, Joshi, has simplified Shimada's classification system. Now both these researchers, along with others, are working to combine the predictive abilities of both into a simple and comprehensive system.
Histology refers to the actual tumor pathology.
The best method for classifying histology is the Shimada index. Besides histology, there are other factors that are important when determining prognostic significance. Of course, the age at diagnosis is important, with children under the age of 1 year having the best overall prognosis. So, testing the urine is very often done to detect disease. It's also used as an indictor for response to treatment.