GANGLIONEUROMA OF THE OVARY

Tumors composed of such highly specialized tissue as adult ganglion cells and their processes are comparatively rare. McFarland,1who reported a case in 1931, was able to find reference in the literature to ninety-three similar tumors. The literature was likewise reviewed in 1932 by Bigler and Hoyne,2who added two cases of their own. Loretz3reported the first instance in 1870. Since then ganglioneuromas have been reported as arising in the central nervous system, cranial nerve roots and their associated ganglions and the sympathetic ganglions of the neck, thorax and abdomen. They also may arise in the adrenal medulla, the carotid gland, the coccygeal gland and Zuckerkandl's organ. No previous report has been found of a ganglioneuroma arising in the ovary. Ganglioneuromas appear to arise chiefly from the sympathetic nervous system. In the ovary, groups of sympathetic ganglion cells occur normally in the medulla near the hilus.