Malignant Paraganglioma Presenting as an Abdominal Lump: A Case Report

Dr. Shristy Prakash, Dr. Kaustuv Naman

Abstract: Tumours that arise from the neuroectodermal tissue of the adrenal medulla are termed phaeochromocytomas (PCCs) and those arising from the extra-adrenal parasympathetic and sympathetic ganglia are termed paragangliomas (PGLs). PCCs and PGLs are collectively abbreviated to PPGL. PGLs are either parasympathetic or sympathetic. Parasympathetic PGLs are sited mainly in the head and neck (HNPGLs) and 95% do not secrete catecholamines or other hormones. The common types of HNPGL are carotid body, vagal and jugulotympanic. Sympathetic PGLs usually secrete catecholamines. A 26 years old female patient presented to us with the complaint of pain in abdomen and a palpable lump extending from the left lumbar region to the umbilical and left iliac fossa region. Clinical, radiological and histopathological investigations pointed to the differential diagnoses of Desmoid Tumor, Neuroendocrine Tumor and Spindle Cell Tumor. Surgical intervention was done and there were intraoperative BP fluctuations and Adrenergic crisis, managed by Cardio-regulatory drugs. The post-operative histopathology report confirmed the presence of an aggressive Malignant Paraganglioma with lymph node metastases. The surgical and peri-operative events and care involved in the successful management of this case have been described in this case report. Further, it is important to consider possibilities like Paragangliomas/NETs when dealing with suspicious lesions/masses and to keep a Multi-Discipliary team with Emergency management and Critical Care on Standby.

Keywords: Paraganglioma, neuroectodermal, catecholamines, histopathology, surgical intervention, multi-disciplinary team

How to Cite?: Dr. Shristy Prakash, Dr. Kaustuv Naman, "Malignant Paraganglioma Presenting as an Abdominal Lump: A Case Report", Volume 15 Issue 1, January 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 154-158, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26103214304, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26103214304