Wide spectrum of thoracic neurogenic tumours: a pictorial review of CT and pathological findings

Abstract

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate the radiological and pathological findings of a wide spectrum of neurogenic tumours of the thorax according to their anatomical location and histological subtype. Knowledge of these findings will narrow the differential diagnosis and provide guidance for patient management.

Imaging of Thoracic Neurogenic Tumors

“…Neurogenic tumors are one of the most commonly encountered mediastinal tumors [1]. Carter et al [6] proposed a modern approach to mediastinal compartment classification based on transverse section images in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal tumors.…”

“…3D). They are usually attached to either a sympathetic nerve or to an intercostal nerve trunk [1]. Ganglioneuromas tend to be slow growing and thus less aggressive on adjacent structures compared with neuroblastomas [3].…”

“…T horacic neurogenic tumors can originate from any nervous structure within the chest and are derived from cells of the nerve sheath, autonomic ganglia, or paraganglia [1,2]. Tumors of nerve sheath origin consist of schwannomas, neurofibromas (plexiform and nonplexiform), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs).…”

“…Tumors of nerve sheath origin consist of schwannomas, neurofibromas (plexiform and nonplexiform), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Tumors arising from autonomic ganglion cells include the spectrum of benign ganglioneuromas, varying degrees of malignant ganglioneuroblastomas, and aggressively malignant neuroblastomas [1,3]. Tumors of paraganglionic origin may arise within either the sympathetic or parasympathetic systems, and they can be either benign or malignant [1].…”

Large Airway Diseases

“…However, these features are not specific for neurilemmomas. 48,51,52 Tracheobronchial papillomatosis is caused by human papillomavirus infection and is more frequently categorized as a nonneoplastic disease. This disease is most common in children but may also occur in adults.…”