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Squamous cell carcinoma: a rare complication of dermoid cysts
Author(s) -
Ashkan K.,
Wilkins P.,
Marsh H.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
neuropathology and applied neurobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.538
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1365-2990
pISSN - 0305-1846
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2990.2002.39286_44.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dermoid cyst , lesion , epidermoid cyst , headaches , magnetic resonance imaging , radiation therapy , radiology , surgery
Dermoid cysts constitute 0.3% of all brain tumours. Carcinomatous differentiation has been described only in a handful of cases. Material and methods: A 44‐year‐old‐man presented with a several‐year history of headaches and a 5‐week history of progressive visual deterioration in the left eye. Clinical examination confirmed a normal visual acuity but an impaired left visual field. A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a lesion in the left paraclinoid area compressing the ipsilateral optic nerve. Signal characteristics of the lesion were consistent with a dermoid or epidermoid cyst. At operation, the lesion was thought to be typical of a dermoid cyst and a near‐complete excision was achieved leaving behind parts adherent to the optic nerve. Histology showed invasive squamous cell carcinoma arising within the dermoid tumour. Postoperatively the patient received radiotherapy. Results: The patient's clinical condition initially stabilized. At 15 months follow up, however, there was clinical and radiological evidence of tumour progression and he died 1 year later. Conclusion: Squamous cell carcinoma may rarely arise from an intracranial dermoid tumour. This may hinder total excision of the lesion and confounds the prognosis.