A Rare Tumor in the Cervical Sympathetic Trunk: Ganglioneuroblastoma

Abstract

Ganglioneuroblastoma is a rare tumor with moderate malignancy, which is composed of mature ganglion cells and seen in sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla. The diagnosis is possible after cytological and immunohistochemical studies following a needle biopsy or surgical excision. There is no consensus regarding the need for chemo- or radiotherapy after surgery. In this case report, clinical behavior and diagnosis and treatment of the rare tumor cervical ganglioneuroblastoma were discussed.

Primary cervical ganglioneuroblastoma

“…Approximately 5% of neuroblastic tumors occur in the cervical region [ 2 ] and about 10% of these are malignant. [ 3 ] Ganglioneuroblastoma is a malignant tumor [ 4 ] ; the mass is usually located in the adrenal gland, retroperitoneal ganglia, or posterior mediastinum. When it occurs in the neck, it is regarded as a subtype of neuroblastoma tumor that can arise anywhere along the sympathetic nervous system and are usually located in the lateral neck or are retropharyngeal masses.…”

Primary ganglioneuroblastoma in a red deer (Cervus elaphus)

“…Although the majority of the tumours described in deer consist of single case reports, it is evident that this species is prone to tumours of neurological origin. Tumours such as an astrocytoma, ependymomas,12 a mixed glioma,13 14 oligodendroglioma,15 a meningeal sarcoma as well as central nervous system neuroblastoma16 17 have been described in deer. Clinicians should additionally consider ganglioneuroblastomas as differential diagnosis for cervical neck region tumours, especially in young animals.…”

Peripheral neck nerve tumor: A 73-case study and literature review

“…These are the most common solid tumors in children [13]. Four types are distinguished by the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC): in order of increasing malignancy, ganglioneuroma, nodular ganglioneuroblastoma, mixed ganglioneuroblastoma, and neuroblastoma [13,14].…”

“…Age <10 years suggests this etiology, but only histology provides definitive diagnosis [14,15]. Erol et al [13] and Alvi et al [17] recommend urinary catecholamine assay. MIBG scan completes morphologic work-up, which includes other examinations by the oncopediatricians who are usually in charge of these cases.…”

“…For most authors, treatment is surgical [13,14,15,16,17], completed by chemotherapy in case of high malignancy risk assessed following the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) [13]. This score takes several factors into account, and notably stage on the International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS), age, histologic type, differentiation grade, MYCN oncogen status, 11q chromosome status and DNA ploidy.…”