Neurocytoma

Synonyms

Atypical neurocytoma; Central neurocytoma; Typical neurocytoma; Well-differentiated neurocytoma

Definition

The term “neurocytoma” was established by Hassoun et al. in 1982 in order to distinguish these lesions, which occur mainly in adults, from neuroblastoma, which occurs mainly in children. Neurocytomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system, mostly located in the ventricular system, which are usually considered benign. However, in 1989, a more aggressive variant of this tumor called “atypical central neurocytoma” was reported.

Characteristics

Central neurocytomas account for 0.25–0.5 % of all central nervous system tumors. Less than 600 cases have been reported in the literature. Because neurocytomas are very rare, no prospective studies are available. The ratio of male to female is approximately 1.25:1. In the majority of patients, the age at diagnosis is between 20 and 35 years. Most lesions are located in the ventricular system. Spinal tumors are extremely rare.

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