Pharyngeal traumatic neuromas and traumatic neuromas with mature ganglion cells (pseudoganglioneuromas).

Abstract

Over a period of 4 years, 14 cases of traumatic neuroma were detected in laryngoscopic biopsy specimens. The approximate incidence was 10% of biopsy specimens from this area. The most frequent symptoms in descending order of frequency, were hoarseness, dysphagia, choking spells, intermittent aphonia, and cough. Six (43%) of the 14 lesions contained mature ganglion cells. These lesions have not been reported in the pharyngeal region, and I suspect that in the past a few similar conditions have been diagnosed as ganglioneuromas. Because the lesion appears to be the cause of the symptoms and is a reactive, nonneoplastic process, accurate diagnosis and commensurate management are important.