Ganglioneuroma

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Central nervous system

Symptoms depend on the location of the mass and what type of neurochemicals it is secreting.

If the tumor is in the mediastinum (chest), it may cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, or compression of the trachea. If the tumor is in the retro-peritoneal space (lower in the abdomen), it may result in abdominal pain and distension. If the tumor is near the spinal cord, it may cause spine deformity and possible compression of the spinal cord.

Active hormone secretion may produce diarrhea, sweating, high blood pressure, and symptoms of virilization -- increased body hair or enlarged clitoris in females -- if testosterone is being secreted.

The best methods to identify this tumor are imaging techniques such as CAT scans (special type of x-rays) or MRI scans (a big magnet used to generate pictures) of the area in question.

To determine if the tumor produces certain substances in excess (mostly hormones), blood and urine tests to detect those substances may be done. Ultimately, a biopsy or complete removal of the tumor may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Review Date: 09/25/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.