A dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor in the area of the caudate nucleus in a 57-year-old woman: case report.

Abstract

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) are clinicopathologically unique tumors. They are usually located within the supratentorial cortex, most often in the temporal lobe. These lesions are frequently associated with intractable complex partial seizures in children and young adults. DNTs may also arise outside of the cerebral cortex. We report a case of a 57-year-old woman who had a DNT in the caudate nucleus. During a 7-year follow-up period, the tumor did not recur. The literature on DNTs with atypical "ectopic" localizations is summarized. A patient presented with a 1-year history of headaches, nausea and vomiting, and progressive visual disturbances. Gross subtotal removal of the lesion was accomplished without further treatment. Unlike diffuse gliomas, such as oligodendrogliomas and central neurocytomas, DNTs are benign lesions with a favorable prognosis after surgical resection. Therefore, recognition of DNTs at atypical ectopic locations is essential for predicting the clinical course and for making the right therapeutic decisions.