Giant retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma.

Ganglioneuromas are infrequent neurogenic tumours. They are generally benign and lymphatic or haematogenic metastases are rare. They grow slowly and may secrete hormones. They are usually present in people aged between 10 and 40 years. The most common location is in the posterior mediastinum and the retroperitoneum. They are usually asymptomatic and, when there are symptoms, these depend on the location of the tumour and whether hormones are being secreted or not. Clinically, they tend to be incidental findings that are observed in imaging studies using ultrasonography, computerised tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Arteriography can be useful to visualise the vascularisation. Blood and urine tests are performed in order to detect hormone secretion. They may also become malignant in the form of a malign Schwannoma. Surgery is the preferred treatment and expected outcome is good if they are completely removed. If this is not the case, then they tend to recur. Post-operative monitoring must be performed in order to rule out local recurrences or new tumour foci (1-4).