A Case of Giant Posterior Mediastinal Ganglioneuroma – A 7 Years Old Boy
Introduction: Ganglioneuromas are rare, slowly growing, benign tumors originating from sympathetic ganglions with a benign histology. Although ganglioneuromas are benign, the treatment is surgical as they can cause pain or compression symptoms, can be locally aggressive and can lead to cord compression. Case Report: A 7 years old-boy was referred to our Oncologic Pediatric Departement due to a giant retroperitoneal and mediastinal mass detected in computed tomography (CT) scans. The initial symptoms were presence of a nonproductive cough a few months early. Presurgical biopsy revealed a benign ganglioneuroma. Total tumor resection of 125x115x165mm tumor was obtained successfully via thoracotomy. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Surgically challenging aspects were the tumor invasion into the mediastinum through the aortic hiatus. Postoperative functioning was excellent without any sign of neurologic deficit. Conclusions: Ganlioneuromas of the mediastinum are slow-growing, large tumors, mostly asymptomatic, and the first symptoms are a consequence of the compressive effect of the tumor. The gold standard in the diagnosis of ganglioneurinoma is CT and needle biopsy. Complete surgical removal is recommended for symptom control or prevention of potential malignant degeneration Subsequent long-term follow-up including imaging controls is mandatory to prevent potential relapse.