Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2025
08:57
Author Spotlight: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Pathological Characterization of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2024
1.2K
[Retroperitoneal Ganglioneuroma with Multifocal Bone Involvement in a Middle-Aged Woman]
Hiroki Watanabe1, Hiroaki Kawanishi1, Kousuke Kobayashi1
1The Department of Urology, Tenri Hospital.
Hinyokika Kiyo. Acta Urologica Japonica
|March 3, 2025
Summary
This case study presents a rare instance of multifocal ganglioneuroma, a benign sympathetic nervous system tumor, involving the retroperitoneum and multiple bones. A watchful waiting approach was successful, showing no tumor growth over three years.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Ganglioneuroma is a rare, benign tumor originating from the sympathetic nervous system, typically presenting as a solitary lesion.
- Multifocal occurrence of ganglioneuroma, especially with bone involvement, is exceptionally infrequent.
- This report details a unique case in a middle-aged woman.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma with multifocal bone involvement.
- To illustrate the diagnostic process and management of such a rare presentation.
- To highlight the potential for a conservative management approach in select cases.
Main Methods:
- Incidental diagnosis via abdominal ultrasonography.
- Characterization using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and Fluorodeoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET).
- Histopathological confirmation through biopsies of retroperitoneal and lumbar spine tumors.
Main Results:
- A large retroperitoneal tumor (11 cm) and multiple bone lesions were identified.
- FDG-PET showed slight uptake in the retroperitoneal mass and mild accumulation in various bone sites (L1 vertebra, zygoma, acetabulum, calcaneus).
- Biopsies confirmed both masses as ganglioneuromas.
Conclusions:
- Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma with multifocal bone involvement is a rare entity.
- While surgical resection is standard, a watchful waiting approach can be considered for benign, non-progressing tumors.
- This case demonstrates the benign course and successful conservative management of multifocal ganglioneuroma.
