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[Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma]
V Zugor1, K Amann, K M Schrott
1Urologische Universitätsklinik mit Poliklinik der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. vahudin.zugor@uro.imed.uni-erlangen.de
Aktuelle Urologie
|August 20, 2005
Summary
Ganglioneuromas are rare, benign tumors originating from sympathetic nerve cells, often asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose in infants. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and successful surgical removal of a ganglioneuroma in a young child.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Ganglioneuromas are rare, benign tumors arising from immature cells of the sympathetic nervous system.
- These tumors disproportionately affect newborns and infants, presenting diagnostic challenges due to their often asymptomatic nature.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with persistent bladder wall thickening and a prominent prevesical ureter.
- Initial sonography revealed a space-occupying lesion in the left kidney, with subsequent MRI raising suspicion for a retroperitoneal neuroblastoma.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with a ganglioneuroma, a benign neuroblastic tumor.
- The tumor was successfully removed through two surgical sessions.
Implications:
- Ganglioneuromas, despite their benign nature, require timely diagnosis and treatment due to potential symptoms and location-dependent effects.
- The low incidence of these tumors underscores the need for increased awareness and diagnostic experience among clinicians to ensure optimal patient outcomes.