Ganglioneuroma presenting as an asymptomatic huge poterior mediastinal and retroperitoneal tumor

Chia Yau Chang, Yuh Lin Hsieh, Giun Yi Hung, Chin Chen Pan, Betau Hwang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ganglioneuroma is a rare, differentiated, benign and slow-growing tumor that commonly arises from sympathetic ganglion cells. Most of them are asymptomatic and found incidentally. We here report a quite rare case of silent huge ganglioneuroma growing in both posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum occurring in a 3.5-year-old girl. The patient was relatively well before and incidentally found to have a huge chest mass by chest X-ray film at an episode of respiratory tract infection. Computed tomography showed a huge tumor extending from bilateral posterior mediastinum to the level of the adrenal gland in the retroperitoneum. Initially, neuroblastoma was highly suspected and 24-hour urine vanillyl mandelic acid was slightly elevated. Cytology by bone marrow aspiration revealed no tumor nests or clumps. Biopsy and pathology proved it as ganglioneuroma (GN). Due to too extensive involvement of the tumor and compression of the vital vessels, surgical removal became difficult. The family of the patient refused surgery due to there being no significant symptoms. Because of the potential for growth of unresectable GN and because the component of neuroblasts could not be completely excluded, the patient was still in dangerous status. The only thing we can do is to keep the family alert and continue regular follow-up.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)370-374
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the Chinese Medical Association
Volume66
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Jun 1 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Ganglioneuroblastoma
  • Ganglioneuroma
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Posterior mediastinum
  • Retroperitoneum

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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