A ganglioneuroma with features of a thyroid nodule: intense pain on fine needle biopsy as a diagnostic clue

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma presenting as lower back pain

Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma (RGN) is a rare benign tumor that arises from the retroperitoneal sympathetic ganglia composed of mature Schwann cells, ganglion cells and nerve fibers. These tumors can occur anywhere along the paravertebral sympathetic plexus and occasionally from adrenal medulla. Although they grow in excessive size, they may cause compression to adjacent organ or structures thus giving rise to symptoms. Resecting RGN’s is a challenging endeavor, as they tend to encase neighboring vessels to their site of origin. The reported case is a 43-year-old male who presented with lumbar pain that increased progressively in intensity over the last 6 months. Preoperative investigations revealed a large tumor with encasement of the origins of the superior mesenteric artery and bilateral renal arteries. The tumor was completely resected and the final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of RGN.

Cervical ganglioneuroma: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE

Ganglioneuromas are benign neoplasm of neuroblastic origin which arise from central or peripheral parts of the autonomic nervous system. They are normally found at posterior mediastinum, retroperitoneum, and the adrenal gland but ganglioneuromas are rarely found in the cervical region.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 12-year-old boy was admitted with a left-lateral neck mass slow growing over a 7-days duration. The tumor was painless and was not associated with any systemic or compression-related symptoms. No symptoms of Horner's syndrome, including ptosis, myosis, ipsilateral facial anhidrosis, and flushing, were observed. Laboratory routine tests were within normal limits, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a solid and well-circumscribed mass in the carotid space.

DIAGNOSIS

Due to the patient's symptoms, laboratory test results together with radiographic investigation findings, the 12 years old boy was diagnosed with cervical ganglioneuroma combined with tetralogy of Fallot.

INTERVENTIONS

Surgical excision.

OUTCOMES

The postoperative period was uneventful with the exception of Horner's syndrome on the left side in short period, and it was finally resolved after 8 months recovery. The patient is now in stable condition after operation, with improvement in symptoms during follow-up recovery.

LESSONS

Ganglioneuromas should be accounted as the differential diagnosis of pediatric soft tissue tumors of the head and neck. The diagnosis for ganglioneuromas in cervical region can only be ascertained with postoperative pathologic examination, and excision is considered as the only effective treatment modality known so far which may cause Horner's syndrome at times. However, patients have a favorable prognosis without recurrence overall.

Retroperitoneoscopic resection of retroperitoneal nonadrenal ganglioneuromas: our technique and clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To report our experience of retroperitoneoscopic technique in semi-lateral decubitus position for the retroperitoneal nonadrenal ganglioneuromas in 18 patients, and to evaluate its clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2012 to May 2016, 18 patients with retroperitoneal nonadrenal ganglioneuromas underwent retroperitoneoscopic resection. With the patients in semi-lateral decubitus position, a 4-port retroperitoneal approach was used. Data were collected on the tumor size, tumor location, perioperative outcomes, pathology, and lastknown disease status. We reviewed the operative videos to identify surgical tips and tricks.

RESULTS

All procedures were carried out successfully without converting to open surgery. The tumors had an average size of 5.2cm. The mean operative time was 86.5 min, with a mean estimated blood loss of 85.4mL. There were three patients suffering from intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, all patients achieved an uneventful recovery; the mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.5 days. The postoperative pathology revealed to be retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas. With a mean follow-up of 39.5 months, all patients were recurrence free. The review of the operative videos revealed several tips and tricks, including keeping peritoneum and posterior Gerota fascia intact to provide a favorable operative exposure of tumors, and placing the harmonic scalpel through different ports during tumor dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

With the patient in semi-lateral decubitus position and a 4-port retroperitoneal approach, retroperitoneoscopic resection of retroperitoneal nonadrenal ganglioneuroma is a feasible, effective, and safe procedure. This approach has distinct advantages including direct access to the tumor, optimal exposure of tumor and less intraperitoneal interference.

Ganglioneuroma of the base of the skull

Ganglioneuromas are rare benign tumors originating from the ganglion cells of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Ganglioneuromas in the base of skull are extremely rare. In this article, we describe a case of primary ganglioneuroma below the foramen ovale observed in a 38-year-old man. The lesion was asymptomatic. The patient underwent surgical intervention for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Craniomaxillofacial surgery was conducted by the oral and maxillofacial surgical team and the neurosurgical team. Combined frontotemporal-preauricular infratemporal approach was used to expose the lesion. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage and facial paralysis did not occur postoperatively. The results of histopathologic examination indicated that the excised lesion was a ganglioneuroma. Clinical follow-up was done, and no recurrence has been observed up to now.

Ganglioneuroma of the internal auditory canal presenting as a vestibular schwannoma

In most series, 90% of cerebellopontine angle tumors are vestibular schwannomas. Meningiomas and epidermoid tumors follow with decreased frequency. Ganglioneuroma is a benign tumor usually found in the retroperitoneum and posterior mediastinum. We report a case of a 21-year-old man with gradual sensorineural hearing loss and a minimally enhancing lesion of the internal auditory canal, which was excised through a middle fossa approach and found histologically to be a ganglioneuroma. Like vestibular schwannomas, these lesions are benign in nature and may be managed in a similar fashion, although the possibility of malignant transformation may support surgical resection over conservative management or radiosurgery. Ganglioneuromas should be considered in patients with atypical radiographic findings for vestibular schwannomas.