central neurocytoma

Central Neurocytoma: A Rare Brain Tumor

Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare, benign brain tumor that typically affects young adults. It is often located in the lateral ventricles, which are spaces in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is secreted and flows.

Characteristics of Central Neurocytoma

• Rare occurrence: CN accounts for only 0.1-0.5% of all primary brain tumors [10].
• Benign nature: CN is a grade II tumor, classified as benign by the World Health Organization (WHO) [14].
• Location: The tumor usually grows inwards into the ventricular system, forming interventricular neurocytomas [2].
• Symptoms: The most common symptoms of CN are due to increased intracranial pressure from obstructive hydrocephalus, which can cause blurred vision and other neurological problems [3].

Microscopic Features

Histologically, a central neurocytoma is characterized by a small, uniform neoplastic cell population with features of neuronal differentiation [7]. The tumor cells are typically arranged in sheets or cords, with indistinct cytoplasm [11].

Treatment and Prognosis

The goal of treatment for CN is a gross total resection (GTR), which often yields excellent prognosis with a very high rate of tumor control and survival [1]. With proper treatment, patients can expect a favorable outcome.

References:

[1] Hassoun et al. (1982) - First description of central neurocytoma [2] Septum pellucidum involvement in CN [3] Symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus due to CN [7] Histological features of CN [10] Rare occurrence of CN [11] Microscopic features of CN [14] Benign nature of CN (WHO grade II)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Central Neurocytoma

Central neurocytoma, a rare brain tumor, can cause a range of symptoms due to increased intracranial pressure. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Headaches: Frequent and severe headaches are often the first symptom of central neurocytoma [8][9]
• Vision problems: Blurred vision or changes in vision can occur as the tumor grows and presses on nearby nerves [2][5]
• Increased intracranial pressure: Symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and mental changes are common due to increased pressure within the skull [3][6][7][11]
• Seizures: Seizures can occur in some cases, especially if the tumor is large or located in a sensitive area [6][10]
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can be caused by increased intracranial pressure and are often accompanied by headaches [8][9]

It's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt treatment can improve outcomes.

References: [1] Context result 2 [2] Context result 5 [3] Context result 6 [4] Context result 7 [5] Context result 8 [6] Context result 9 [7] Context result 10 [8] Context result 11 [9] Context result 12

Imaging Studies for Diagnosing Central Neurocytoma

Central neurocytoma, a rare and benign brain tumor, can be diagnosed using various imaging studies. The following diagnostic tests are commonly used to identify this condition:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI is typically heterogeneous on all sequences, but it is isointense to cerebral cortex on T1-weighted images [3]. This imaging technique can help identify central neurocytomas and differentiate them from other intraventricular tumors.
• CT Scans: CT scans can also be used to diagnose central neurocytoma. However, the sensitivity of this imaging modality may vary depending on the specific characteristics of the tumor [4].
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS): MRS is a helpful tool in differentiating central neurocytoma from meningioma and other intraventricular tumors based on their spectroscopic profiles [2].

Additional Diagnostic Tests

In addition to imaging studies, the following diagnostic tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of central neurocytoma:

• Histopathological Examination: Histopathological examination is essential for confirming the diagnosis of central neurocytoma. This involves examining tissue samples from the tumor under a microscope [9].
• Blood Tests: Initial blood tests, including a complete blood count and liver function tests, may be performed to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms [9].

References

[1] Lee SJ et al. (2016) - Central neurocytoma: A rare brain tumor of young adults. [2] Andour H et al. (2023) - Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the diagnosis of central neurocytoma. [3] Jan 10, 2022 - Imaging characteristics of central neurocytoma on MRI. [4] Imaging and radiology tests for diagnosing central neurocytoma. [5] Nov 21, 2024 - Central neurocytomas: WHO grade 2 neuroepithelial intraventricular tumors. [6] Lee SJ et al. (2016) - Central neurocytoma: A rare brain tumor often located in the lateral ventricles. [7] González A et al. (2024) - Diagnostic imaging features of neurocytoma. [8] Central neurocytoma is a very rare brain tumor of young adults (over 100 cases reported worldwide). [9] Agrawal S et al. (2024) - Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of central neurocytoma.

Chemotherapy in Central Neurocytoma Treatment

Central neurocytoma (CN) is a rare and benign brain tumor that can be challenging to treat. While surgery is often the primary treatment option, chemotherapy may also play a role in managing this condition.

• Temozolomide: This oral alkylating chemotherapy agent has been used to treat CN, particularly in cases where further surgery and/or radiation are not feasible [3]. Temozolomide has shown promise in treating recurrent CNs, with some studies suggesting its efficacy in improving patient outcomes [4].
• Other Chemotherapy Agents: In addition to temozolomide, other chemotherapy agents such as carboplatin, dabrafenib, trametinib, and vincristine have been explored for the treatment of CN [8]. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness in this context.
• Adjuvant Therapy: Chemotherapy may be used as an adjuvant therapy to complement surgery and/or radiation therapy. This approach can help improve patient outcomes by targeting any remaining cancer cells [6].

Key Points

• Temozolomide is a commonly used chemotherapy agent for treating CN, particularly in recurrent cases.
• Other chemotherapy agents are being explored for their potential use in CN treatment.
• Chemotherapy may be used as an adjuvant therapy to complement surgery and/or radiation therapy.

References:

[3] - The most common drug employed in adult patients is temozolomide, given the drug's benefit in diffuse gliomas as well as its good tolerance [3]. [4] - The introduction of temozolomide (TMZ) into the treatment regimens of CN was first reported in 2008 [Citation8,Citation9]. TMZ, an oral alkylating chemotherapy, has shown promise in treating recurrent CNs [4]. [6] - Although chemotherapy is not a primary treatment modality for CN, chemotherapy has been used as an adjuvant or salvage therapy for recurrent CNs [5]. [8] - Carboplatin · Dabrafenib · Trametinib · Vincristine.

Differential Diagnosis of Central Neurocytoma

Central neurocytomas are rare intraventricular tumors that can be challenging to diagnose due to their similarities with other brain tumors. The differential diagnosis for central neurocytoma includes:

• Oligodendroglioma: These tumors are characterized by their oligodendroglial cells and can be difficult to distinguish from central neurocytomas, especially in young adults [2].
• Ependymoma: Ependymal tumors arise from the ependyma, a layer of tissue that lines the ventricles and central canal. They are more frequent in childhood and can be confused with central neurocytomas [3].
• Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNT): DNTs are rare tumors that can occur in the brain, particularly in young adults. They can be difficult to distinguish from central neurocytomas due to their similar histopathological features [3].
• Cerebellar Medullocytoma: This is a type of tumor that occurs in the cerebellum and can be confused with central neurocytomas due to their similar imaging characteristics [3].
• Intraventricular Meningioma: Meningiomas are tumors that arise from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain. They can occur intraventricularly and may be mistaken for central neurocytomas [4].

Diagnostic Challenges

The differential diagnosis of central neurocytoma is challenging due to its similarities with other brain tumors. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has been shown to be helpful in differentiating central neurocytomas from meningiomas and other intraventricular tumors [6][7]. However, a definitive diagnosis often requires histopathological examination.

References

[1] by H Andour · 2023 · Cited by 2 — Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is helpful to differentiate CN from meningioma and other intraventricular tumors. The spectroscopic profile of CN is ...

[2] Differential diagnosis:​​ Central neurocytomas can be confused with oligodendroglioma, clear cell ependymoma, astrocytoma with prominent protoplasmic component, ...

[3] Oct 13, 2024 — The differential diagnosis includes oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT), cerebellar medullocytomas, ...

[4] Nov 21, 2024 — Differential diagnosis · ependymoma. more frequent in childhood · myxoid glioneuronal tumor. no contrast enhancement · intraventricular meningioma.

[5] by MG Yasargil · 1992 · Cited by 311 — The central neurocytoma has recently been added to the differential diagnosis of intraventricular tumors.