Massive ganglioneuroma of the parapharyngeal space in a pediatric patient: a case report

Abstract Background Neuroblastic tumors arise from primitive sympathetic ganglion cells and are the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Ganglioneuroma is well-differentiated, benign subtype comprises less than 1% all soft tissue tumors. One to 5% these occur in head neck, including parapharyngeal space. It uncommon find a physically detectable, neoplastic space mass child. Case report A 7-year-old boy presented with painless left neck mass. Imaging revealed 2.6 × 2.7 6.1 cm Fine-needle aspiration suggested ganglioneuroma. The patient developed compressive symptoms, notably pain, thus decision was made surgically resect. excised transcervically, preserving great vessels, phrenic cranial nerves. Postoperatively, mild ipsilateral Horner’s syndrome, suggesting be ganglioneuroma chain. Conclusions Cervical ganglioneuromas typically present as slow-growing masses that cause symptoms or found incidentally. Resection reserved for those significant often complicated by syndrome. In review literature, there 23 reported cases head/neck median age 17 years. Eight occurred para/retropharyngeal spaces. Of these, five an asymptomatic mass, two one discovered important consider workup pediatric masses, even young children. Asymptomatic should monitored symptomatic transformation, excision considered.