SERVING

Those That

SERVED

Rare tumors that most frequently start in the autonomic nerve cells, which may be in any part of the body.  It is understood that a ganglioneuroma is typically asymptomatic, and is typically discovered when a veteran is being examined or treated for another condition. Any ganglioneuroma symptoms will depend upon the tumor's location and the nearby organs affected.  

          

Symptoms

   

If the tumor is in the chest area (mediastinum), symptoms may include:

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Chest pain
  • Compression of the windpipe (trachea)

   

If the tumor is lower down in the abdomen in the area called the retroperitoneal space, symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating

   

If the tumor is near the spinal cord, it may cause:

  • Compression of the spinal cord, which leads to pain and loss of strength or feeling in the legs, the arms, or both
  • Spine deformity

      

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

    

These tumors may produce certain hormones, which can cause the following symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Enlarged clitoris (women)
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased body hair
  • Sweating

Malignant Ganglioneuroma