2025 Clinician Corner - Massive paraganglioma masquerading as ovarian tumor: a unique case of paraganglioma of undetermined genetic origin

Overview

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. While 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.    

Keywords:  Abdominal mass; genetics; paraganglioma

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Faculty credentials/disclosure 

The planners and faculty for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The patient consented to the publication of this report.

Process

Click the "add to cart/begin" button, pay any relevant fee, take the quiz, complete the evaluation, and claim your CME credit.  You must achieve 100% on the quiz with unlimited attempts available.

  • By completing this process, you are attesting that you have read the journal article.

Expiration date:

Credit eligibility for this article is set to expire on July 1, 2026.

Learning Objectives

After completing the article, the learner should be able to:

  • Recognize the importance of considering paraganglioma/pheochromocytoma in the workup of an abdominal mass of unknown etiology. 
  • Identify the preoperative and postoperative management of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and recognize the importance of genetic workup.  

Key Points 

  • Paraganglioma is a rare retroperitoneal neuroendocrine tumor. 
  • Paraganglioma should be considered in the workup for abdominal mass of unknown origin.
  • Here, we report the case of a patient found to have paraganglioma with unclear genetic etiology.  
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) MOC Part 2
    Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
  • 1.00 American Board of Surgery (ABS) Accredited CME
    Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
    The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
07/01/2025
Course expires: 
07/01/2026
Cost:
$25.00
Rating: 
0

Faculty

  • Oliver Gibb, MSDrexel University College of Medicine, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, USA 
  • Jacob W. Lucas, DOCenter for Urologic Care of Berks County, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, USA 
  • Sujay Deshpande, BSDrexel University College of Medicine, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, USA 
  • Daniel C. Edwards, DOCenter for Urologic Care of Berks County, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, USA  

Corresponding author: Daniel Edwards, DO, Center for Urologic Care of Berks County, 1320 Broadcasting Rd., Ste. 200, Wyomissing, PA 19610 (e-mail: DEdwards@centerforurologiccare.com; X: @DEdwardsC) 

Accreditation

Accreditation

The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit

The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABS CC

Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

ABIM MOC

 Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.0 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) MOC Part 2
    Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
  • 1.00 American Board of Surgery (ABS) Accredited CME
    Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit
    The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 Attendance

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Price

Cost:
$25.00
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