Gangliocytic paraganglioma: a rare case with metastases of all 3 elements to liver and lymph nodes

Abstract Gangliocytic paragangliomas are a rare but well-described neuroendocrine tumor with a proclivity for the duodenal area. It is usually a locally infiltrative lesion with a good prognosis. Rare cases that spread to lymph nodes have been documented. A 52-year-old female was found to have a duo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annals of diagnostic pathology 2011-12, Vol.15 (6), p.467-471
Main Authors: Rowsell, Corwyn, MD, FRCPC, Coburn, Natalie, MD, MPH, Chetty, Runjan, MBBCh, FRCPath, DPhil
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomarkers, Tumor - metabolism
Duodenal Neoplasms - metabolism
Duodenal Neoplasms - pathology
Duodenum
Female
Gangliocytic paraganglioma
Humans
Liver Neoplasms - metabolism
Liver Neoplasms - secondary
Lymphatic Metastasis
Middle Aged
Neuroendocrine tumor
Paraganglioma - metabolism
Paraganglioma - secondary
Pathology
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Summary:Abstract Gangliocytic paragangliomas are a rare but well-described neuroendocrine tumor with a proclivity for the duodenal area. It is usually a locally infiltrative lesion with a good prognosis. Rare cases that spread to lymph nodes have been documented. A 52-year-old female was found to have a duodenal tumor, enlarged regional lymph nodes, and multiple small nodules in the liver. The duodenal tumor was a classic triphasic gangliocytic paraganglioma. Two regional lymph nodes and one of the nodules in the liver were noted to contain all 3 elements constituting a gangliocytic paraganglioma. This is the second case of gangliocytic paraganglioma with liver spread and is also noteworthy because of the presence of all 3 elements in the metastases. The presence of lymph node and liver metastases should not result in overtreatment as such behavior is not necessarily fraught with a bad clinical outcome. It is probably best to regard such cases as having “uncertain malignant potential” and advocate careful follow-up.
ISSN:1092-9134
1532-8198
DOI:10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2010.07.009