Shoulder pain in a child: a case presentation of ganglioneuroblastoma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Skeletal Radiology
• Pediatric Orthopedics

Background:

• Shoulder pain in children can stem from various causes.
• Ganglioneuroblastoma is a rare tumor typically affecting the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system.
• Chest tumors are uncommon in pediatric patients presenting with joint discomfort.

Observation:

• A 4.5-year-old girl experienced several months of shoulder pain.
• Imaging revealed a large, homogeneous tumor at the apex of the chest.
• The tumor's location was unusual for pediatric presentations of joint pain.

Findings:

• Surgical resection of the chest tumor was performed.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ganglioneuroblastoma.
• This represents a rare instance of ganglioneuroblastoma presenting as shoulder pain.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of thorough investigation for atypical causes of pediatric joint pain.
• Suggests considering rare thoracic tumors in the differential diagnosis of pediatric shoulder pain.
• Underscores the need for multidisciplinary collaboration in diagnosing and managing pediatric tumors.