ABSTRACT

Ganglioneuromas are solid tumors comprised of sympathetic ganglion nerve cells. Due to their benign nature, they often present as incidental findings on imaging or cause mass effect symptoms. We present a case of a 19-year-old female who had one episode of dysphagia that lead to a chest X-ray that showed a right thoracic mass. Subsequent imaging and biopsy revealed a ganglioneuroma in her right apical thoracic space with extension into the epidural space at T1 and T2 levels. She underwent a successful posterior decompression and right thoracotomy with resection of the tumor. This case highlights the minimal symptomatology that often is associated with ganglioneuromas and the importance of ensuring that such neurogenic tumors are on the differential when investigating odd thoracic presentations.