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Published on: January 17, 2018
[Adrenal ganglioneuroma]
Rafael Rabello Lista Mira1, Tereza Cristina Bernardo Fernandes, Ivan Cesar Said Resende
1Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Juiz de Fora/MG, Brazil. rrlmira@gmail.com
Ganglioneuromas are rare, benign tumors originating from neural crest cells. This case highlights a ganglioneuroma presenting as an adrenal mass in a young woman with back pain.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Surgical Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Ganglioneuromas are uncommon, benign neoplasms derived from neural crest cells.
- They most frequently occur in the posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum.
- Adrenal gland origin is rare, accounting for a small percentage of cases.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old woman presented with nonspecific low back pain.
- Imaging revealed a significant adrenal mass.
- The patient underwent surgical resection of the adrenal mass.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed the adrenal mass to be a ganglioneuroma.
- The tumor was benign, consistent with neural crest origin.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare adrenal tumors.
- It underscores the importance of considering ganglioneuroma in the differential diagnosis of adrenal masses, even with atypical presentations.
- Surgical management (adrenalectomy) is effective for symptomatic or diagnostically uncertain adrenal ganglioneuromas.
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