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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Definition Return to top
Ganglioneuroma is a tumor of the peripheral nervous system.
Causes Return to top
Ganglioneuromas are rare tumors that most frequently start in the autonomic nerve cells, which may be in any part of the body. The tumor are usually noncancerous (benign).
Ganglioneuromas usually occur in people ages 10 to 40. They grow slowly, and may release certain chemicals or hormones.
There are no known risk factors. However, the tumors may be associated with some genetic problems, such as neurofibromatosis type 1.
Symptoms Return to top
A ganglioneuroma usually causes no symptoms, and is only discovered when being examined or treated for another condition.
Symptoms depend on the location of the tumor and the type of chemicals released.
If the tumor is in the chest area (mediastinum), symptoms may include:
If the tumor is lower down in the abdomen in the area called the retroperitoneal space, symptoms may include:
If the tumor is near the spinal cord, it may cause:
These tumors may produce certain hormones, which can cause the following symptoms:
Exams and Tests Return to top
The best tools to identify a ganglioneuroma are:
Blood and urine tests may be done to determine if the tumor is producing hormones or other chemicals.
A biopsy or complete removal of the tumor may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment Return to top
Treatment involves surgery to remove the tumor (if it is causing symptoms).
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
Most ganglioneuromas are noncancerous. The expected outcome is usually good. A ganglioneuroma may, however, become cancerous and spread to other areas, or it may come back after removal.
Possible Complications Return to top
If the tumor has been present for a long time and has pressed on the spinal cord or caused other symptoms, surgery to remove the tumor may not necessarily reverse the damage.
Compression of the spinal cord may result in loss of movement (paralysis), especially if the cause is not detected promptly.
Surgery to remove the tumor may also lead to complications in some cases.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you or your child has symptoms that may be caused by this type of tumor.
References Return to top
Sovak MA, Aisner SC, Aisner J. Tumors of the Pleura and Mediastinum. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008: chap 77. Update Date: 9/22/2008 Updated by: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
