Neurocytoma: a comprehensive review.
Mehar Chand Sharma1, Prabal Deb, Suash Sharma
1Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India. meharsharma@hotmail.com
Neurosurgical Review
|August 31, 2006
Summary
Central neurocytomas (CN) are rare central nervous system tumors. Diagnosis and management are challenging, but maximal safe resection offers the best prognosis, with radiotherapy potentially benefiting specific cases.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Central Nervous System Tumors
- Neoplasm Pathology
Background:
- Central neurocytomas (CN) are rare central nervous system neoplasms, often described in case reports.
- Diagnosis and management of CN remain controversial due to their infrequent occurrence.
- These tumors typically affect young adults' lateral ventricles, exhibiting distinct neuroimaging and histomorphologic features, sometimes mimicking oligodendrogliomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the epidemiology, histogenesis, clinical profile, histology, neuroimaging, and therapeutic modalities of neurocytomas.
- To emphasize central neurocytomas (CN), extraventricular neurocytomas, and their atypical variants.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges and controversial aspects of CN management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of central neurocytomas (CN) and related neoplasms.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria including immunohistochemistry, ultrastructure, and genetic studies.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes based on surgical resection, radiotherapy, and other therapeutic regimens.
Main Results:
- Central neurocytomas (CN) typically present in young adults and are associated with a generally favorable outcome.
- A MIB-1 labeling index (LI) greater than 2% is indicative of poor prognosis and potential recurrence.
- Safe maximal resection is the preferred therapeutic strategy for optimal local control and survival.
Conclusions:
- Central neurocytomas (CN) require careful diagnosis, often necessitating advanced techniques to differentiate from similar tumors.
- Maximal safe surgical resection is the cornerstone of treatment for central neurocytomas (CN).
- Adjuvant radiotherapy may benefit select patients, particularly those with incomplete resection or atypical presentations, while other treatments require further investigation.
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