Cerebellar liponeurocytoma (lipomatous medulloblastoma)

Liponeurocytoma (lipomatous medulloblastoma) is an uncommon clinicopathologic entity. We report a case of cerebellar liponeurocytoma in an adult and attempt to better characterize this uncommon lesion. A 43-year-old woman presented with symptoms and signs of increased intracranial pressure and cerebellar dysfunction. CT and MRI showed a heterogeneous well-circumscribed mass in the left cerebellar hemisphere with hydrocephalus. Complete surgical excision of the tumor was accomplished through a suboccipital craniotomy. Pathological examination with immunohistochemical study revealed a medulloblastoma with neuronal, astrocytic and lipomatous differentiation. Postoperative radiation therapy was given. After surgery, the patient was followed up for a 16 month-period; symptoms improved dramatically and no evidence of tumor recurrence was found. Careful analysis of the histopathological and immunohistochemical studies correctly identifies liponeurocytoma (lipomatous medulloblastoma). To our knowledge, only 16 cases have been reported. Although this lesion appears to have a better prognosis than the conventional form of adult medulloblastoma, complete surgical removal with postoperative radiation therapy is recommended.