Case Report

Cervical Spine Ganglioneuroma: A Case Report

Misagh Pourdonya¹, Zhila Kazemi¹ and Mehdi Chiniforoush²*

¹Medical Student, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran

²Pathology Assistant Professor, Anatomical Sciences Department, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Submission: December 13, 2017; Published: December 19, 2017

*Corresponding author: Mehdi Chiniforoush, Pathology Assistant Professor, Anatomical Sciences Department, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, Tel: +989144510017; Email: reseteam.2020@gmail.com

How to cite this article: Misagh P, Zhila K, Mehdi C. Cervical Spine Ganglioneuroma: A Case Report. Glob J Oto 2017; 12(3): 555837. DOI: 10.19080/GJO.2017.12.555837

Abstract

Spinal and paraspinal tumors comprise a wide variety of histological types. About 1% of this neoplasm's are Ganglioneuroma and a small proportion of them may invaginate through the intervertebral foramina causing cord compression. The recent case is about a 23 year old male referring to Fatemi Hospital of Ardabil University of medical sciences with the right extremities hemiparesis and after primary clinical examinations, taking MRI and CT scan; cervico-occipital tumor was diagnosed. Then, the patient was hospitalized at males' neurosurgery ward. He was operated at the same hospital; the tumor was evacuated completely and for exact survey and further studies were sent to pathology. In macroscopic view, smooth tissue containing paramorphic irregular gray components diagnosed Ganglioneuroma at histopathology study/ microscopic view was observed.

Keywords: Ganglioneuroma; Cervical Spine; Ardabil

Introduction

Ganglioneuromas are rare, slow growing; benign tumors that generally arise from the ganglion cells of the sympathetic chain, but they may also arise from sympathetic nerves as well as from peripheral nerves. They represent the most benign form of neurogenic tumor with 60% ofthem occurring in children and young adults [1-5]. The ratio of male to females is approximately 3:2. They occasionally grow to large size but total excision using microsurgical techniques is often possible, and may be curative. Ganglioneuroma are considered, as a rule, benign tumors. However, in exceptional cases, intra-tumoral areas of malignant transformation, metastasis, and the development of malignant peripheral tumors arising from ganglioneuromas have been described [6-10]. Although they usually occur in relation to the adrenal medulla and sympathetic chain in the retroperitoneal and retropleural spaces, they may be also being found along in the intestinal tract, and occasionally in a peripheral nerve. Multiple locations are possible. They have also been described in association with Neurofibromatosis diseases [11,12].

Case Report

A 23 year old man who hospitalized at males' neurosurgery ward with right extremities hemiparesis which had been started for one year. After clinical and neurological examinations, the first diagnosis, Cervico-occipital tumor was proposed. Then for the final diagnosis MRI & CT scan were recommended (Figure 1). Having diagnosed a vast extra axial tumor at the C1 & C2 levels at MRI, Neurinoma was considered. His laboratory tests revealed the patient had leukocytosis (20.2 per microliter) with an erythrocyte count of 4.08 per microliter and hematocrit of 36.3%. Other factors were about normal. Later that day the patient underwent a laminectomy operation on his C1 & C2 levels and the tumor of that region which concurrently was intra and extradural completely was evacuated. After operation, he had a suitable general condition, sensory and motor function tests of extremities and his right side hemi paresis were considerable improved. Observing smooth tissue containing paramorphic irregular gray components in macroscopic view, Ganglioneuroma at histopathology study and microscopic view was diagnosed (Figure 2).

Discussion

Ganglioneuroma reside within a class of neuronal tumor in which the neoplastic cells express a mature neuronal phenotype. This type of tumor consists of well-differentiated large pyramidalshaped ganglion cells embedded within a scanty stromal of spindle cells [13]. Ganglioneuroma are usually white, firm and encapsulated, slow-growing tumors. Microscopic examination reveals large ganglion cells and areas of smaller lymphocyte-like cells within a matrix of fibrous and Schwann cells. Multinucleate cells with a well-defined nucleolus in each nucleus are commonly found [4]. As diagnosis of ganglioneuroma is based on the absence of necrosis or immature ganglion cells [2], the entire tumor must be examined to rule out areas of malignant transformation. Although ganglioneuroma can produce symptoms related to the large volume they may attain, most of them are asymptomatic and can be diagnosed incidentally by palpation in cases of superficial location [2,14], or on radiographic studies [11]. In some series, 0.8 to 3.5% of ganglioneuromas were dumbbell tumors [1,4]. It is also well known that ganglioneuroma at or near the cervical spine is extremely uncommon [15,16]. Regarding treatment, complete excision is the best option [2]. When there is spinal cord compression surgical decompression must be undertaken as soon as possible [4,15]. If a complete resection can be achieved, there is no evidence supporting the use of any adjuvant postoperative therapy in the management of ganglioneuroma [2-5,16].

Conclusion

Ganglioneuroma occurring within the spinal column are exceedingly rare and may grow to a large size. Despite this size and the common involvement of both intra and extra-spinal compartments, favorable outcome, with good functional recovery is often possible after complete excision using microsurgical techniques..

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