[Ganglioneuroma of the thoracic cavity in a child: case report].

INTRODUCTION

Ganglioneuromas are benign tumours that originate from the sympathetic chain. These kinds of tumours are most frequently benign neurogen tumours in childhood. Most often they are localized in the paravertebral area of posterior mediastinum. The tumour usually shows slow growth and patients are in most cases asymptomatic. These tumours are well encapsulated and surgical excision results in cure.

CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 9 year-old boy with subpleural ganglioneuroma. When the child was admitted in hospital he had a pathological auscultatory pulmonary finding. The tumour was revealed by radiological examination during respiratory infection. Preoperative differential diagnosis included a number of intrathoracic lesions in the area of posterior mediastinum. The patient was operated with success.

CONCLUSION

It is not clear if coughing was the only symptom of respiratory infection or a sign of intrapulmonary compression of the tumours mass. Intraoperative findings confirmed that the tumour was extirpated on time. Pulmonary parenchyma was without damage.