Ganglioneuroblastoma
Pronunciation: gang-lee-oh-nyoor-oh-blas-TOH-mah
Also written as: GNB — Ganglioneuroblastoma
An intermediate-grade peripheral neuroblastic tumour containing both immature neuroblasts and mature ganglion cells, classified within the neuroblastoma tumour spectrum.
Full Definition
Ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB) occupies the middle of the peripheral neuroblastic tumour spectrum between the malignant neuroblastoma and the benign ganglioneuroma. It is subclassified as intermixed (GNBi) or nodular (GNBn) according to the INPC (International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification), also known as the Shimada classification. The nodular subtype contains discrete, macroscopically visible neuroblastic nodules within a ganglioneuromatous stroma and behaves more aggressively. Pathology reports must specify the subtype and the Shimada histological category (favourable vs. unfavourable) as these directly determine risk stratification. Editors should note the correct spelling 'ganglioneuroblastoma' and must not conflate it with 'ganglioneuroma.'
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the subtype (intermixed or nodular) and Shimada histological category; 'ganglioneuroblastoma' without subtype qualification is incomplete for oncological reporting.
In Context
- "The adrenal mass was classified as ganglioneuroblastoma, nodular subtype, with unfavourable histology per the Shimada classification." — Pediatric surgical pathology report
- "The draft incorrectly listed the diagnosis as 'ganglioneuroma'; review of the histology confirmed it should read 'ganglioneuroblastoma, intermixed subtype.'" — Pathology report amendment