Benign central neurocytoma - A double misnomer?

BACKGROUND. ''Central neurocytoma is classically considered as an intravent ricular benign tumor, largely based on data from small retrospective series . The authors present prospective data on 12 patients with tumors diagnosed as central neurocytoma, to highlight the diverse nature of this tumor and challenge the classic notion. METHODS. Between 1991 and 1997, 12 patients had tumors diagnosed prospectiv ely as "central neurocytoma". Clinical, radiologic, and histologic data wer e collected, and Karnofsky performance score was evaluated for each patient . Proliferation marker studies were performed using Ki-67 labeling index. RESULTS. In two patients, the tumors were located in atypical locations, na mely, the parietal lobe and the spine. Aggressive behavior characterized by clinical and radiologic evidence of tumor progression was noted in two add itional patients. In both these cases, unusually high proliferation rates o f 5.3% and 11.2% were noted. Total excision of the tumor, when possible, wa s the treatment of choice. Postoperative radiotherapy to the residual tumor may be of benefit in patients with clinically aggressive tumors, or those with high proliferation rates. CONCLUSIONS. Given the findings of this study, it is suggested that the tra ditional concept of central neurocytoma as a benign intraventricular tumor warrants reconsideration. (C) 2000 American Cancer Society.