Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Paraganglioma of the bladder is a neoplasm derived from paraganglion cells in the bladder wall. They are histologically identical to paraganliomas at other sites. The commonly cited incidence of bladder paragangliomas is 0.06-0.10%. They are a little more common in female by 1.4:1. The clinical triad of sustained or paroxysmal hypertension, intermittent gross hematuria and micturition attacks is the characteristic feature.A 8 6 y/o male was admitted to our ward due to asymptomatic gross hematuria. There was no postvoiding headache, palpitation, and cold sweating. Besides, the hypertension history since 1973 was also noted. CT scan showed one soft tissue nodule at right bladder wall measured 2.4 X 1.7cm. Hence, transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed and pathology disclosed paraganglioma of urinary bladder. Mitotic figure is rarely seen. The tumor cells are immunoreactive to chromogranin A and synaptophysin, but of monotonous spindle cells with pale cytoplasm. After the operation, the radiotherapy was added. Paraganglioma of the urinary bladder is veryrare. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of paraganglioma of urinary bladder without typical initial presentation.