Ganglioneuroma in unusual sites: clinical, radiologic and pathological features

The aim of this retrospective study is to review the clinical, radiologic and pathological features of GN and to bring awareness of GNs that may occur in unusual locations to clinicians.

Data from 11 patients from the Lishui Center Hospital, Zhejiang University, (Lishui, China) were analyzed between January 1999 and May 2016, and the clinical, radiologic and pathological features in these patients are discussed here.

Our retrospective study involved 11 patients, 5 males and 6 females, with an average age of 34.1 (1-76) years, who underwent surgical intervention for GN. Tumors occurred in the following locations: one tumor in the cervical cord, one tumor in the subcutaneous layer, two tumors in the posterior mediastinum, two tumors in the nerve root, two tumors in the posterior peritoneum, and three tumors in the adrenal gland. Two patients presented with lumbocrural pain, one patient presented with neck and shoulder pain, and one patient presented with abdominal discomfort, with the remaining patients being asymptomatic. Homogenous density, oval mass and well-defined borders were characteristic radiologic features of GN. All patients underwent surgery, and their tumors were completely resected. Histopathological examinations showed that the tumors were characteristic of GN and consisted of nerve fibers and mature ganglion cells. The immunohistochemical reactions for S-100 were positive in all patients. The mean length of the hospital stays was 15.7 d (range: 8-28 d). The mean duration of follow-up was 96 mo (range: 5-180 mo). Two patients did not follow-up, and nine patients were asymptomatic.

GNs are rare benign tumors, and their diagnosis is challenging. Complete surgical excision is an effective and successful treatment, and long-term follow-up is necessary.