Massive paraganglioma masquerading as ovarian tumor: a unique case of paraganglioma of undetermined genetic origin.

Abstract

Paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma are rare tumors originating from chromaffin cells: pheochromocytoma from within the adrenal gland and paraganglioma from the sympathetic chain in the retroperitoneum. Though many are clinically silent, both classically present with hyperadrenergic symptoms. We present a case of a patient with an immense retroperitoneal mass found to be a clinically silent paraganglioma. The unusual size and presentation of the tumor as well as its undetermined genetic origin give a unique perspective into this rare tumor.