Rare Presentation of Cervical Ganglioneuroma: A Case Report

Ganglioneuromas are rare, benign neoplasms of autonomic origin that represent the most differentiated end of the spectrum of peripheral neuroblastic tumors. Most commonly found in the posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum, cervical involvement is distinctly uncommon. These tumors usually remain asymptomatic until they exert pressure on surrounding structures. We report the case of a 19-year-old boy who presented with a progressive right-sided cervical mass and contralateral vocal cord paralysis. Imaging revealed a well-circumscribed, encapsulated lesion medial to the carotid space. Surgical excision was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of ganglioneuroma. This case is notable not only for the tumor's rare cervical location but also for its unusual presentation with contralateral vocal cord paralysis. It underscores the importance of considering ganglioneuroma in the differential diagnosis of pediatric neck masses and highlights the critical role of histopathological confirmation in guiding management.