Ganglioneuroblastomas of the cervical sympathetic nerve

Although ganglioneuroblastomas occur infrequently in the head and neck area, if they are recognized and completely excised initially, the chances of cure are greatly increased. Two patients are reported who demonstrate some of the more important aspects of diagnosis and treatment. The first patient, whose retropharyngeal tumor was diagnosed when he was 12 years of age, was treated with transoral excisional biopsy. He is alive and tumor-free 3 1/2 years later. The second patient, a 2-year-old , was treated by incisional biopsy without a major resection. He died on year later. The diagnostic evaluation of a patient with suspected neurogenic tumor includes a complete physical examination for distant adenopathy, abdominal masses, hypertension, and neurological impairment. Intraoperatively, neurosurgical and pathological consultation should be available.