Retroperitoneal Ganglioneuroma in a Patient Presenting With Vague Abdominal Pain

Abstract

Ganglioneuroblastoma, neuroblastoma, and ganglioneuroma (GN) are the tumors that arise from the neural crest cells. Of these, GN has the most benign origin without metastatic potential. The most common sites of their origin are the posterior mediastinum and retroperitoneum. Although the imaging studies, including CT, are available to detect these tumors, the definitive diagnosis can only be made by histological examination. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman with a retroperitoneal GN causing longstanding, gradually increasing, uncontrolled abdominal pain due to its pressure effect on the pancreas, duodenum, and right kidney with the displacement of the inferior vena cava. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, and the mass was removed. Histopathology confirmed the benign nature of the mass (a GN). These tumors are rarely malignant and mostly asymptomatic. However, in our case, abdominal pain was affecting the patient's life. After a discussion with the patient, an elective surgical procedure was performed, and the patient was symptom-free postoperatively and able to resume her regular routine.

Oncovascular Resection of a Ganglioneuroma Involving the Coeliac Trunk and Hepatic Artery—A Case Report

“…5 By compressing surrounding structures retroperitoneal ganglioneuromas can produce a variety of symptoms such vomiting, back pain and abdominal pain. 6 -8 They have even been reported to cause intestinal obstruction. 9 The patient in our report experienced postprandial pain for six months before presentation.…”

Solid Primary Retroperitoneal Masses in Adults: An Imaging Approach

“…Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign, slow-growing tumor usually seen in the 20 to 40-year age group afflicting both sexes equally. 28 29 Patients are either asymptomatic or present with abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Sometimes symptoms such as hypertension, diarrhea, and virilization may be seen due to the secretion of catecholamines and androgens.…”

A huge retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma in a middle‑aged patient: Report of a diagnostically challenging case with review of the literature

“…The tumors are usually detected incidentally during radiological imaging for unrelated conditions. However, GN may also present when the tumor has grown sufficiently in size to the point that it may cause compression-related symptoms (3,4). These tumors are frequently non-secretory, but rare cases of hormone-secreting GNs have also been reported (5).…”