Ganglioneuroma of the adrenal gland: a rare case.
Ganglioneuromas, which are benign tumors of sympathetic nervous system, are rare to arise in adrenal gland. They are usually clinically silent and detected during work-up for other unrelated conditions. Currently, histopathology is the only tool to diagnose ganglioneuroma and to differentiate it from ganglioneuroblastoma and neuroblastoma. We discuss the case of a 40-year-old female found to have a right adrenal mass during investigation of dull ache in right upper abdomen. Clinico-radiological assessment was non-confirmatory on the nature of the mass, and excision was done. Histological examination showed the mass to be a ganglioneuroma arising in the adrenal gland. In conclusion, ganglioneuroma occurs rarely in adrenal gland and pre-operative diagnosis is difficult since the symptoms are usually non-specific. Histological examination is the mainstay of diagnosis and should be thorough to exclude neuroblastomatous foci, portending a worse outcome.
Gupta
Ruchika
R
Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Dinda
Amit Kumar
AK
D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005729:Ganglioneuroma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D014463:Ultrasonography