Malignant transformation of intracranial epidermoid cyst

Br J Neurosurg. 2014 Aug;28(4):507-9. doi: 10.3109/02688697.2013.869552. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

Abstract

Intracranial epidermoid cysts (ECs) are rare, histologically benign, slow-growing, congenital neoplasms of central nervous system that may arise from retained ectodermal implants. Malignant transformation of an EC to squamous-cell carcinoma is rare; only 13 cases have been reported. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman presenting with left hemiparesis 18 months after performing partial resection of an epidermoid cyst of right middle and posterior fossa, whose pathological report revealed to be a malignant transformation of previous epidermoid tumor. Additionally, we performed pertinent literature review.

Keywords: brain neoplasms; epidermoid; malignant transformation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Cerebellopontine Angle / pathology*
  • Epidermal Cyst / diagnosis
  • Epidermal Cyst / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome