A CASE OF GANGLIONEUROMA

Abstract

Ultrastructural and biochemical studies of tumors originated from autonomic nervous system are rare. Ganglioneuroma of a 3.5-year-old girl was examined ultrastructurally and biochemically.The patient noticed soybean sized tumor at the left submandibular region in spring, 1972. She visited a pediatrician being diagnosed as lymphadenitis but received no therapy. Since January 1973, the tumor increased its size gradually. And for further examination, she was referred to our hospital on April 16, 1973.She did not complain of any special symptoms, likely hypertension, hyperhidrosis or diarrhea.The tumor was about 6 x 5cm in size, without adhesion to skin, but with adhesion to underlying tissues.Her left wall of the pharyx was swollen and soft palate was pushed foward. Laboratory data, including intravenous pyelography, were not paticular. Roentogenologically, calcification of the tumor was not observed. Biopsied specimen was revealed ganglioneuroma.Upon surgical exploration on June 4, 1973, the tumor was found between external and internal carotid arteries and vagal nerve, and extending upwards to the base of the skull. The excised tumor was approximately 50 gram in weight and gray-white in color in cross-section. Radical resection of the tumor was successfully performed and the post-operative course was uneventfull.