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Ganglioneuroma

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Definition:

Ganglioneuroma is a tumor of the peripheral nervous system. It is usually non-cancerous (benign).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Ganglioneuromas are rare tumors that occur in approximately 1 in 100,000 children. They most frequently arise in association with autonomic nerve cells, which may be in any part of the body.

Ganglioneuromas most frequently occur in people between age 10 and 40. They are slow-growing masses and may secrete neurochemicals or hormones. Most commonly, they are asymptomatic and discovered in the course of a normal exam or during treatment for some other condition.

Though there are no known risk factors, some reports suggests that they may be associated with some genetic problems, for instance, neurofibromatosis type 1.

• Review Date: 9/25/2006
• Reviewed By: Kenneth Gross, M.D., Neurology, North Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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