Ganglioneuroma

A ganglioneuroma is typically asymptomatic, and is typically only discovered when being examined or treated for another condition. Any symptoms will depend upon the tumor's location and the nearby organs affected. For example, a tumor in the chest area may cause breathing difficulty, chest pain, and trachea compression. If the tumor is located lower in the abdomen, it may cause abdominal pain and bloating. A tumor near the spinal cord may cause spinal deformity or spinal compression, leading to pain and loss of muscle control or sensation in the legs and/or arms. These tumors may produce certain hormones, which can cause diarrhea, an enlarged clitoris (in females), high blood pressure, increased body hair, and sweating. == Cause ==

There are no known risk factors for ganglioneuromas. However, the tumors may be associated with some genetic problems, such as neurofibromatosis type 1. Composite ganglioneuroma-pheochromocytoma tumors are seen in patients with pathogenic variants of germline and somatic mosaic origin, such as RET proto-oncogene, CDKN1B, Neurofibromin, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, VHL, and EPAS1, in association with Pacak-Zhuang syndrome. ==Pathology==

of a ganglioneuroma with the characteristic ganglion cells. H&E stain. Pathologically, ganglioneuromas are composed of ganglion cells, Schwann cells and fibrous tissue. Ganglioneuromas are solid, firm tumours that typically are white when seen with the naked eye. == Diagnosis ==

Ganglioneuromas can be diagnosed visually by a CT scan, MRI scan, or an ultrasound of the head, abdomen, or pelvis. Blood and urine tests may be done to determine if the tumor is secreting hormones or other circulating chemicals. A biopsy of the tumor may be required to confirm the diagnosis. == Treatment ==

Because ganglioneuromas are benign, treatment may not be necessary, as it would expose patients to more risk than leaving it alone. If there are symptoms or major physical deformity, treatment usually consists of surgery to remove the tumor. == Prognosis ==

Most ganglioneuromas are noncancerous, thus expected outcome is usually good. However, a ganglioneuroma may become cancerous and spread to other areas, or it may regrow after removal. If the tumor has been present for a long time and has pressed on the spinal cord or caused other symptoms, it may have caused irreversible damage that cannot be corrected with the surgical removal of the tumor. Compression of the spinal cord may result in paralysis, especially if the cause is not detected promptly. == References ==