Diagnosis
Ganglioneuromas can be diagnosed visually by a CT scan,  MRI scan, or an ultrasound of the head, abdomen, or pelvis. Blood and urine tests may be done to determine if the tumor is secreting hormones or other circulating chemicals. A biopsy of the tumor may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment
Because ganglioneuromas are benign, treatment may not be necessary, as it would expose patients to more risk than leaving it alone.If there are symptoms or major physical deformity, treatment usually consists of surgery to remove the tumor. Prognosis
Most ganglioneuromas are noncancerous, thus expected outcome is usually good. However, a ganglioneuroma may become cancerous and spread to other areas, or it may regrow after removal.If the tumor has been present for a long time and has pressed on the spinal cord or caused other symptoms, it may have caused irreversible damage that cannot be corrected with the surgical removal of the tumor. Compression of the spinal cord may result in paralysis, especially if the cause is not detected promptly. References


== External links ==
This is often found in conjunction with bunions or other foot problems (e.g., a bunion can force the big toe to turn inward and push the other toes).The toe muscles work in pairs; if the muscles pulling in one direction are much weaker than those pulling in the other direction, the imbalance can bend the toe. If the bend persists, then as the tendons and ligaments tighten (as they do if not stretched), the bend may become permanent. Ill-fitting shoes are especially likely to push the toes out of balance.Toe deformities can also be caused by muscle, nerve, or joint damage, resulting from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, complex regional pain syndrome or diabetes. Hammer toe can also be found in Friedreichs ataxia (GAA trinucleotide repeat). Treatment
In many cases, conservative treatment consisting of physical therapy and new shoes with soft, spacious toe boxes is enough to resolve the condition, while in more severe or longstanding cases hammertoe surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. The patients doctor may also prescribe some toe exercises that can be done at home to stretch and strengthen the muscles. For example, the individual can gently stretch the toes manually, or use the toes to pick things up off the floor. References
External links
Hammer Toe – American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
Hammer Toes – American Podiatric Medical Association
Aetna Clinical Policy Bulletin: Hammertoe Repair Guidelines for surgical repair