Management of neurocytomas - Case report and review of the literature

The purpose of this report is to review the available Literature on the pre sentation, pathology, and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) neurocy tomas. A case report of an extraventricular neurocytoma is presented along with a comprehensive literature search of patients with a diagnosis of CNS neurocytoma. CNS neurocytomas are rare neoplasms, with fewer than 240 cases reported in the literature. The majority of neurocytomas are found in the ventricular system of the brain. Immunohistochemistry is frequently used to help distinguish this tumor from other CNS neoplasms. MIB-1 proliferation index is commonly used in an attempt to predict biologic behavior. Little i s known about the management of patients with this tumor, because most repo rts are from the pathologic literature and contain sparse information regar ding clinical management. Neurocytomas are rare CNS tumors with varied biol ogic behavior. MIB-1 index may help direct adjuvant therapy. An excellent p rognosis can be expected if a gross total resection is achieved. Postoperat ive radiation therapy CRT) may be considered after subtotal resection. Othe rwise, RT is an option for medically inoperable or recurrent disease.