[Management of ganglioneuroma in the neck].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical feature, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ganglioneuroma in the neck.

METHOD

The medical records of 6 patients with cervical ganglioneuroma which were confirmed by pathology between 1995 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULT

Patients with ganglioneuroma in the neck typically present with an asymptomatic neck mass. Neither imaging procedures nor fine needle aspiration made a definite diagnosis before surgery. All cases were operated, and developed Horner syndrome. With a median follow-up time of 5.9 years, all cases survived without local recurrence or distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Ganglioneuroma in the neck is a rare well differentiated benign tumour. Definite diagnosis only can be made after pathology. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice, as it will ensure thorough sampling of the tumour and cure. Postoperative prognosis is favorable if total resection.