Ganglioneuroma is a rare, benign neurogenic tumor arising from the sympathetic ganglia. In this report, we reviewed and summarized the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of a posterior mediastinal ganglioneuroma.

Here, we report on a 29-year-old man referred to us with transient pain in the right side of the chest, lasting for three days. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities. The results of routine laboratory tests were within the normal ranges. Thoracic spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed a well-defined, solid mass in the right paravertebral region at the T5-T8 level, measuring 7.5 cm × 4.2 cm × 1.5 cm. To accurately locate the lesion during surgery, O-arm intraoperative imaging was used in conjunction with the Stealth Station navigation system. The tumor was completely excised and no related complications occurred. The tumor was an encapsulated mass with a solid, homogenous, grayish-tan cut surface. Histopathological examinations confirmed that the mass was a ganglioneuroma.

Ganglioneuroma is a rare, benign tumor. Prior to treatment, a careful imaging evaluation is necessary in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis can be made by histological examination. En bloc resection is the preferred treatment for ganglioneuroma as it has an excellent prognosis.

Neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) in adult patients was rare, and few cases had been reported. In this report, we summarized the features of NCM in adult patients for providing useful information about this rare clinical entity.

In this report, we present a case of a 41-year-old woman, who was eventually diagnosed with NCM with intraspinal malignant melanoma. The clinical features, treatments, and prognosis of cases of NCM in adults were thoroughly reviewed and discussed.

A 41-year-old woman was eventually diagnosed with NCM with intraspinal malignant melanoma. The post-operative course was uneventful and her symptoms significantly improved (VAS: 3 points). However, she developed symptoms of intracranial hypertension and deteriorated rapidly after 11 months of operation, and died 1 month later. To date, only 15 cases of NCM in adults have been reported in the English literature. Analyses showed that the average age was 33.8 years (range 19–65 years), and 11 patients (68.8%) were between 20 and 40 years. A slight male predominance (M:F/11:5) was found. For the 12 cases which detailed follow-up information was available, 9 patients (75%) died, with a survival time ranging from 1 day to 29 months post-operation. Death occurred within the first month of operation in 6 cases (46. 2%). The median survival time was 3 months.

We presented a rare case of NCM with intraspinal malignant melanoma in an adult patient. Although rare, this clinical entity causes significant mortality and has poor prognosis.