Ganglioneuroblastoma

A ganglioneuroblastoma is a transitional tumour which lies on the intermediate spectrum of disease between a ganglioneuroma and a neuroblastoma.

Epidemiology

They are seen more commonly in children younger than 10 years. There is no definite gender predilection reported at the time of writing.

Pathology

The tumour contains elements of both malignant neuroblastoma and benign ganglioneuroma. They may be encapsulated.

Location

They are commonly attached to a nerve trunk.

Radiographic features

Imaging features can be variable and can range from a solid, well marginated-marginated, oblong paraspinous mass with homogeneous enhancement or as an irregular, cystic, poorly marginated-marginated, locally invasive-invasive mass with evidence of metastatic disease ².

Plain radiograph

Non specific-specific but may hint to an initial diagnosis in larger lesions. May show a posterior retroperitoneal, mediastinal, or neck mass.

Ultrasound

Not a typical imaging modaalitymodality of choice but may show a heterogeneously echogenic lesion if able to be identified. Anechoic areas may be present corresponding to regions of haemorrhage and / or/or necrosis 

CT

Variable and can range from homogeneous (especially small lesions) to heterogenous (large lesions).

MRI

Maybe be more useful in assesinhassesing intraspinal extension. 

• T1: usually low signal intensity; haemorrhagic areas may manifest as areas of high signal
• T2: usually high signal intensity but heterogenous; cystic areas may be high signal.
• T1 C+: may show variable enhancement

Calcification may be difficult to detect at MR imaging; signal voids may be apparent. 

See also

• neuroblastic tumours