Epidermoid Tumor Research Articles

Surgical Management of Intracranial Epidermoid Tumors—An Institutional Review of 234 Cases

Abstract Aim To study the demographics, clinical profile, management strategies, and treatment outcomes of intracranial epidermoid lesions. Materials and Methods A single institutional retrospective analysis from a large institute in Western India was done of all patients operated for intracranial epidermoid tumors over a period of 20 years from January 1997 to January 2017. All patients were investigated with a contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) as well as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with a diffusion-weighted imaging to confirm diagnosis of epidermoid tumor. The presenting complaints and the demographics of all patients were recorded, and all patients underwent planned surgery, with or without a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedure as per requirement. Surgery ranged from a gross total resection to a near-total resection depending on the patient, location of the lesion, and involvement of adjacent structures. All patients underwent an immediate postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scan as well as a follow-up MRI. Patients were followed up to note clinical improvement as well as documentation of all complications. Results Total 234 patients of intracranial epidermoid tumors were operated upon in a 20-year span. Males predominated with a total number of 146 (62.4%). The most common age group was the fourth decade. The most common presentations were headache (118 patients) and neuralgia in the trigeminal distribution (82 patients). Infratentorial compartment was the most common location of the tumors (152 patients), with cerebellopontine angle being the predominant site in the posterior fossa (107 patients). Both supra- and infratentorial compartments were involved in 28 cases. Gross total excision could be achieved in 202 patients. Reoperation was required in 12 cases. The mean follow-up period was 68 months. The most common complication encountered was that of postoperative CSF leak (24 patients). We had eight cases of recurrence and six deaths in our series. Conclusion Epidermoid tumors can arise in virtually all intracranial locations. Gross total excision of the tumor is treatment of choice and can be curative for these benign lesions. Large lesions at presentation with involvement of multiple compartments can be difficult to manage and may require bicompartmental or second look surgery. Complete excision of the capsule with preservation of adjacent neuronal and vascular structures is of utmost importance to decrease postoperative morbidity and chances of recurrence. Perioperative steroids, avoidance of intraoperative spillage, and intraoperative endoscopic assistance are recommended in all cases.

Microsurgical Resection of the Epidermoid Tumor in the Cerebellopontine Angle.

In this video, we demonstrate epidermoid tumor microsurgical resection of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) performed by the senior author (K.I.A.). Epidermoid tumors arise from ectoderm trapped within/displaced into the central nervous system. They show predilection for CPA Angle (up to 40%), 4th ventricle, suprasellar region, and spinal cord. 1 They are the 3rd most common CPA tumor, comprising approximately 7% of CPA pathology. CPA lesions can produce 5th and 7–12th cranial nerve neuropathies. 2 3 4 Recurrent episodes of aseptic meningitis caused by cyst content rupture may occur. Symptoms include fever, meningeal irritation, and hydrocephalus. A 26-year-old female presented with headaches. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed right CPA tumor with brain stem compression ( Fig. 1 , A – C ). There was evidence of restricted diffusion in diffusion-weighted imaging, typical of epidermoid tumor. Surgery was performed in prone position with head turned 25 degrees to the ipsilateral side using retrosigmoid craniotomy. 5 Tumor was ventral to the 7th and 8th cranial nerve complexes, between the 5th nerve as well as toward the brainstem. The surgical plan was gross total resection with tumor capsule resection to prevent recurrence. 6 (Small residuals can be left behind when capsule is adherent to critical structures.) Tumor was adherent to brain stem perforators which were preserved using meticulous dissection. Cranial nerves and vascular structures were also left intact. We irrigated with antibiotic saline and used perioperative treatment to prevent aseptic meningitis. The pathohistological diagnosis revealed epidermoid tumor cyst. Postoperative MRI revealed complete resection ( Fig. 1 , D – F ). The patient recovered fully and was neurologically intact. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/LyWl-KZUSGY .

Spinal Epidermoid Tumor – A Rare and Silent Occurrence

Objective: Epidermoid tumors are slow-growing benign lesions lined by squamous epithelium. Are rare, commonly intracranial and spinal intradural epidermoid tumors are extremely rare. The authors propose to describe a clinical case of a patient operated. Methods: We report a 75-year-old male referred to neurosurgical consultation by spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 with stenotic spinal canal and a left L4-L5 foraminal stenosis, revealed by lumbosacral CT scan. Neurologic exam revealed a claudicant gait, spastic paraparesis with muscular strenght of 3-/5 at left and 4+/5 at right. Deep tendon reflexes were increased at left with presence of patelar and ankle clonus, but normally at right. Below left D5 dermatome, he had sensory parestesia. MRI showed an intradural lesion, apparently exclusively extra-medullary at D6 level. This lesion determines a significant spinal cord compression and had identical signal to the CSF in all MRI ponderations. It was performed a D5 laminectomy and median linear durotomy with identification of an intradural tumor (pearl-white color), adjacent to the arachnoid, dissectable from spine cord. Gross total resection was achieved. Results: Postoperatively the patient remained clinically stable and without new deficits. At the 4th month of follow-up the patient progressively recovered and was presenting with muscle strength grade 4/5. Histopathology showed a sample of keratin lamellae, foci of gross calcification, compatible with diagnosis of epidermoid tumor. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that even being a rare pathology we must have it present in our clinical reasoning so we can diagnose it properly. It also reveals a case of associated pathology of the spine, which could delay the diagnosis, increasing the risk of worsening of permanent neurological deficit. The goal is always the complete surgical resection and so, because of is benign nature and low rate of recurrence the patients may improve clinically and can be considered cured.

Successful Gamma Knife Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia associated with Epidermoid Tumor : A Case Report

Successful Gamma Knife Surgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia associated with Epidermoid Tumor : A Case Report

Corpus Callosum Lipomas in Children.

To determine the clinical and radiographical aspects of six patients diagnosed with pericallosal lipomas (PCL). A retrospective analysis of patients who presented to the neurosurgery outpatient clinics of Selcuk Faculty of Medicine between 2009 and 2019, revealed that six patients were diagnosed with PCL. The clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were obtained by reviewing patients? records. A total of six patients (two girls and four boys), with a mean age of 53.8 months (38?72 months), were included in this study. They were followed up for a mean period of 36.5 months (32?41 months). PCL were detected on MRIs, which were obtained to investigate headache in two patients, epilepsy in one patient, frontal dermal sinus tract and left frontal epidermoid tumor in one patient, and subcutaneous lipoma associated with PCL in one patient. Five patients displayed tubulonodular lipomas and one patient displayed curvilinear lipomas. Agenesis or dysgenesis of the corpus callosum (CC) was observed in four (66%) patients. Two patients received surgical treatment for cosmetic skin problem. Because of the benign course of PCL, i.e. no growth or very slow growth, and close proximity to the surrounding neurovascular structures, surgical removal should be considered only in symptomatic PCL. Furthermore, other malformations and anomalies may accompany PCL.

Intraspinal dermoid and epidermoid cysts: Long-term outcome and risk factors

Objective: The literature on long-term outcome after resection of intraspinal dermoid and epidermoid tumors is limited. The purpose of this study was to review the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and long-term outcome in a consecutive series of 57 patients with intraspinal dermoid and epidermoid tumors. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: A total of 57 patients who underwent surgery at our institution between 2002 and 2010 were reviewed. Patients outcome were determined using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA) and the McCormick score. Results: The follow-up data were 100% complete and the median follow-up time was 9.2 years. Gross total resection was performed in 21 patients (36.84%) and subtotal resection in 36 patients (63.16%). The PFS and OS at 8 years were 78.95% and 100% respectively. A good outcome was observed in 56.14% of patients based on the JOA and McCormick score. The univariate analysis showed that a tumor size of more than 4 cm, subtotal resection and sphincter disturbances were the influencing factors of poor outcome. Conclusion: The gold standard treatment for intraspinal tumors is gross total resection, but the operation needs to protect the remaining nerve function as much as possible and follow-up should be focused on patients with a high risk of poor outcome.

A tight squeeze with an intracranial epidermoid brain tumour

A tight squeeze with an intracranial epidermoid brain tumour

Endoscope-Assisted Retrosigmoid Approach for Cerebellopontine Angle Epidermoid Tumor.

Objectives Surgical resection is the only effective treatment modality for epidermoid tumors. Complete resection with preservation of neurological function must be pursued whenever possible, because it offers a cure for patients. However, the inability to identify hidden remnants, interdigitating around cranial nerves, especially in larger tumors, may be a contributing factor for incomplete resection. This operative video demonstrates the technical nuances in achieving complete resection of a cerebellopontine angle epidermoid tumor via an endoscope-assisted retrosigmoid approach. Design and Setting Operative video of an endoscope-assisted retrosigmoid, approach for complete resection of a cerebellopontine angle epidermoid tumor. The patient was a 16-year-old female, who presented with 1-year history of worsening headaches and imbalance. Her neurological exam was normal, including normal cranial nerve function, and hearing. Radiological evaluation revealed an epidermoid tumor in the right cerebellopontine angle, extending to the interpeduncular cistern. Surgical resection was recommended. Given extension of the tumor across the midline, an endoscope-assisted procedure was planned to increase the odds of complete resection. Results The video demonstrates the surgical technique applied for tumor resection. The patient's clinical symptoms resolved completely after surgery and she remained neurologically intact. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed complete tumor resection. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusions The use of endoscopic techniques for resection of cerebellopontine angle epidermoid tumor is safe and effective and may increase the odds of complete resection, especially in larger tumors spreading across the midline, by enabling the surgeon clear visualization of deep-seated and contralateral relevant neurovascular structures, not readily accessible by the surgical microscope. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/X6YP_7OeQQE .

Purely neuroendoscopic resection of intraventricular tumors with an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator.

Surgery for intraventricular tumors remains a controversial and evolving field, with endoscopic resection becoming more popular. We present a series of nine consecutive cases of purely endoscopic resection of intraventricular tumors with the aid of an ultrasonic aspirator specific for neuroendoscopy. Nine patients (five men, four women) aged 18-74years (mean 43.7) underwent surgery. The most common symptom was headache. In all cases, magnetic resonance imaging showed single supratentorial intraventricular lesions (five lateral ventricle, four third ventricle). The average maximum diameter was 20.5mm (range 11-42). Associated hydrocephalus was found in eight cases at diagnosis. Five patients underwent complete macroscopic resection. Three underwent subtotal resection and one underwent partial resection (two thirds of the tumor). The mean endoscopic procedure time was 70min (37-209). The eight patients with associated hydrocephalus also underwent endoscopic septostomy to improve cerebral spinal fluid circulation, with one patient additionally requiring endoscopic third ventriculostomy and another requiring Monro foraminoplasty. One patient required ventriculoperitoneal shunting. The mean post-operative follow-up was 15.1months (range 2-33). At the time of analysis, no patient showed recurrence or regrowth of the operated lesion. The histological diagnoses and degree of resection were three subependymomas with complete resection, three colloid cysts with two complete and one subtotal resection, one pilocytic astrocytoma with partial resection (approximately two thirds of the lesion), one epidermoid tumor with subtotal resection, and one central neurocytoma with subtotal resection. The endoscopic ultrasonic surgical aspirator can be a safe and effective tool for the removal of intraventricular tumors, even in firmer solid lesions.

Spinal Epidermoid Tumors: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Spinal epidermoid tumors are rare, benign tumors that are either acquired from trauma, surgery, or lumbar puncture or arise as congenital lesions, particularly spinal dysraphisms. We report a case of a massive spinal epidermoid tumor and review the literature with a focus on the surgical outcomes. A 71-year-old female patient presented after a fall with subsequent symptoms of severe back and hip pain, as well as loss of motor strength in the left leg. Her magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a T2/short tau inversion recovery hyperintense mass extending from the level of the T10–11 disc caudally through S2. A biopsy was recommended to determine whether the tumor was radio- or chemo-sensitive. The patient underwent a L4 laminectomy and a pearly-white tumor was encountered, with a subsequent biopsy confirming it to be an epidermoid tumor. The following conclusions can be drawn from a review of the literature. Spinal epidermoid tumors are more common in women and tend to present in younger patients (median age of 23). The majority of patients had acquired lesions (46%). In terms of surgical outcomes for adherent tumors, gross total resection was found to provide optimal outcomes, with 90% of patients improving clinically after surgery.

Hemifacial Spasm as Rare Clinical Presentation of Vestibular Schwannomas

Although classical hemifacial spasm (HFS) has been attributed to an atraumatic pulsatile vascular compression around the root exit zone (REZ) of the facial nerve, rare tumor-related HFS associated with meningiomas, epidermoid tumors, lipomas, and schwannomas in the cerebellopontine angle have been reported. The exact mechanism and the necessity of microvascular decompression for tumor-induced HFS is not clear, especially for vestibular schwannomas. We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients with vestibular schwannomas out of 5218 cases of hemifacial spasm between 2004 and2014. Hemifacial spasm occurred ipsilateral to the vestibular schwannoma in 9 patients and contralateral to the lesion in 1 patient. The mean follow-up period was 86 months (range, 22-140 months). All patients underwent surgery for resection of the vestibular schwannoma. Following the principle of neurovascular compression, offending vessels were found in 7 patients, no offending vessels in 2 patients, and a tumor with the displacement of brain stem contributing to contralateral facial nerve compression in 1 patient. HFS was relieved immediately postoperatively in 9 patients, whereas it improved gradually and then resolved after one month in one patient with a contralateral vestibular schwannoma. For HFS induced by vestibular schwannomas in our study, the majority of cases are caused by a combination of tumor and vascular co-compression at the REZ. Surgical intervention resulted in resolution of symptoms. For HFS with ipsilateral vestibular schwannoma, exploration of the facial nerve root for vascular compression should be performed routinely after tumor resection. It is critical to check that no vessel is contact with the entire nerve root.

Rhodocetin-αβ selectively breaks the endothelial barrier of the tumor vasculature in HT1080 fibrosarcoma and A431 epidermoid carcinoma tumor models.

The tumor vasculature differs from normal blood vessels in morphology, composition and stability. Here, we describe a novel tumor vessel-disrupting mechanism. In an HT1080/mouse xenograft tumor model rhodocetin-αβ was highly effective in disrupting the tumor endothelial barrier. Mechanistically, rhodocetin-αβ triggered MET signaling via neuropilin-1. As both neuropilin-1 and MET were only lumen-exposed in a subset of abnormal tumor vessels, but not in normal vessels, the prime target of rhodocetin-αβ were these abnormal tumor vessels. Consequently, cells lining such tumor vessels became increasingly motile which compromised the vessel wall tightness. After this initial leakage, rhodocetin-αβ could leave the bloodstream and reach the as yet inaccessible neuropilin-1 on the basolateral side of endothelial cells and thus disrupt nearby vessels. Due to the specific neuropilin-1/MET co-distribution on cells lining such abnormal tumor vessels in contrast to normal endothelial cells, rhodocetin-αβ formed the necessary trimeric signaling complex of rhodocetin-αβ-MET-neuropilin-1 only in these abnormal tumor vessels. This selective attack of tumor vessels, sparing endothelial cell-lined vessels of normal tissues, suggests that the neuropilin-1-MET signaling axis may be a promising drugable target for anti-tumor therapy, and that rhodocetin-αβ may serve as a lead structure to develop novel anti-tumor drugs that target such vessels.

Transient Bobbing Following Fourth Ventricle Decompression in an Epidermoid Tumor

The ocular bobbing (OB) refers to a distinct pattern of spontaneous vertical eye movements that occurs in various diseases of the posterior fossa pathologies. We describe a case of 42-years-old female submitted to epidermoid tumor removal through a subocciptal approach, presenting an OB during the postoperative period.The clinical aspects of the ocular bobbing are reviewed and discussed. There are other presentations or etiologies for OB, therefore differential diagnosis should always be carefully considered.

Meningite de Mollaret

Introdução: Meningite de Mollaret consiste em uma forma de meningite asséptica, sendo considerada uma patologia rara, haja visto a revisão literária mundial apresentar aproximadamente 50 casos descritos até o momento. Objetivo: Descrição de caso de meningite asséptica decorrente de lesão expansiva epidermóide. Método: Mulher submetida à ressecção retrossigmoidéia de tumor epidermóide em ângulo ponto-cerebelar a direita evoluindo sem déficits no pós-operatório imediato, mas evoluindo, no pós-operatório tardio, com meningismo e deficit de nervos cranianos contralaterais à lesão primária. Exames de propedêutica liquórica evidenciaram meningite sem crescimento de microorganismos. Discussão: A cascatainflamatória sistêmica desencadeada por essa patologia pode gerar um estado toxêmico, assemelhando-se clinicamente a meningite bacteriana. O estudo liquórico não evidencia agente causador, a despeito da elevação de polimorfonucleares e a redução da glicorraquia. O risco de desenvolver meningite asséptica pode ser reduzido, evitando-se contaminação do conteúdo cístico no espaço subaracnóide, removendo cuidadosamente todo tecido cístico e administrando corticoterapia no perioperatório. Conclusão: Meningite asséptica é uma patologia rara, sem consenso a respeito de seu manejo, justificando a necessidade de acúmulo de conhecimentos a partirde relatos de casos em todo o mundo

Case of a Rare "White Epidermoid Tumor" Involving the Cerebellopontine Angle.

Case of a Rare "White Epidermoid Tumor" Involving the Cerebellopontine Angle.

Characteristics of testicular tumors in prepubertal children (age 5–12 years)

Testicular tumors in children have two peaks with different types of tumors; in the first 4 years of life a third to half are benign with increased risk of malignancy during puberty. The pathology of testicular tumors between these peaks, at the age of 5-12 years, is not known. We hypothesized that because of the low level of testosterone at this time, the incidence of malignant tumors is very low. To compare malignancy risk of primary testicular tumors in children in the prepubertal period (5-12 years) compared with younger (0-4 years) and pubertal (13-18 years) children. We retrospectively (2002-2016) identified patients <18 years with surgery for primary testicular tumor. Patients with testicular tumor risk were excluded. Ultrasound studies were reviewed for contralateral testis volume, tumor morphology, and tumor maximal diameter, for three age groups: 0-4, 5-12, and 13-18 years. The Freeman-Halton extension of the Fisher exact probability test was adopted for categorical outcomes, and one-way ANOVA for continuous outcomes. Fifty-two patients (mean age 11.0 years, range 6 days-18 years) were identified. Malignant tumor prevalence significantly differed (p<0.01) among age groups (Fig).: 0-4 (72.7%, 8/11), 5-12 (0%, 0/16), and 13-18 years (44.0%, 11/25). The most common tumor types in 5-12 years were epidermoid cyst (31.3%, 5/16) and tumor mimics (37.5%, 6/16). Prevalence of cystic tumors in 5-12 year olds was not significantly different compared with other age groups. Contralateral testicular volume >4mL (pubertal surge) significantly (p<0.01) differed among groups: 0-4 years (0/11), 5-12 years (3/16), and 13-18 years (19/20). In children aged 13-18 years the mean tumor maximal diameter (29.8±4.4mm) was significantly larger (p<0.01) compared with children 5-12 years (9.3±5.5mm) and all malignant tumors had contralateral testicular volume >4mL. We found that preadolescent children between the ages of 5 and 12 years have distinctive characteristics compared with the other age groups. Most importantly, no malignant testicular tumors were found in this age group. About a third of the children presented with an incidental testicular mass. The testicular tumors were significantly smaller (9.3±6.7mm) compared with those in children aged 13-18 years (29.8±4.4mm). There were limitations because of the retrospective nature of the study. We found no malignant testicular tumors in children aged 5-12 years with no risk factors and prior to pubertal surge. Our study suggests use of more conservative treatment in this group of patients.

Outcomes following Expanded Endonasal Resection of Epidermoid Tumors Involving the Cranial Base: Case Series of Seven Patients

Outcomes following Expanded Endonasal Resection of Epidermoid Tumors Involving the Cranial Base: Case Series of Seven Patients

The Xomed Monopolar Cranial Nerve Stimulator Electrode: A Surprising Handy Tool for Deep Dissection of Epidermoid Tumors.

Epidermoid cysts are notorious for their propensity to sneak into deep recesses between cranial nerves in the posterior fossa. Attempts to achieve complete excision using ordinary instruments when tempted by the seeming ease of dissection is known to cause unacceptable deficits. The Xomed monopolar stimulator electrode probe of the nerve integrity electromyography monitor has several advantages when used as the primary dissection tool for deep-seated epidermoid cysts. Cerebellopontine angle epidermoid is the classical prototype of a strategically placed deep-seated epidermoid tumor.The author describes the use of the monopolar stimulator electrode of the nerve integrity electromyography monitor as the primary dissection tool for excising epidermoid cysts of the cerebellopontine angle. Thin profile, rounded nontraumatic tip, and springiness of the body of the monopolar electrode aid the dissection.The monopolar electrode was used to tease and scoop out the flakes aided by a fine suction. An initial internal decompression allowed the capsule to be folded away and separated from neurovascular structures using the dissector. The thin profile of both the instruments allowed good visualization and delicate control over the dissection in depths of the resection cavity without undue traction or impacts on superficially dissected cranial nerves. This novel use of the monopolar electrode was employed in the surgical excision of epidermoid cysts of the cerebellopontine angle in nine patients.Total or near total excision was possible in eight of the nine patients who underwent excision using this technique. In three patients, mild deficits primarily of the fifth nerve sensory function were noted.The Xomed monopolar stimulating electrode of the nerve integrity electromyography monitor is an ideal instrument for deep dissection of epidermoid cysts in areas where neurovascular structures are at risk.

Tumor epidermóide intracraniano

Os autores apresentam dois pacientes portadores de tumor epidermóide, sendo um da fossa posterior e outro da região frontotemporal direita, tratados cirurgicamente. O primeir, do sexo feminino, 58 anos, manifestou-se com o quadro de espasmo hemifacial esquerdo de longa evolução e nevralgia trigeminal sintomática de início recente. O segundo paciente, do sexo masculino, 23 anos, iniciou o quadro clínico com crises convulsivas, de início tardio. O diagnóstico foi estabelecido por meio de tomografia computadorizada, tendo ambos sido submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico, com evolução satisfatória e controle dos sintomas.

Epidermoid tumor of the fourth ventricle with accompanying congenital posterior arch defect of the atlas

Epidermoid tumors are rarely encountered within the fourth ventricle. There are slightly more than 100 cases reported in the literature. Congenital posterior arch defects of the atlas are also rare with less than 50 cases reported in the literature. The coexistence of these two pathologies in one patient has not been previously reported. We present a 51-year- old-woman with an epidermoid tumor of the fourth ventricle and accompanying posterior arch defect of the atlas.