Neurocytomas (/njuːroʊˌsaɪtoʊˈmɑːz/), also known as central neurocytomas or neuronal choristomas, are rare brain tumors that typically occur in the ventricular system. The word "neurocytoma" is derived from two stems: "neuro-" meaning nerve or nervous system, and "-cytoma" meaning a tumor of cells. The correct spelling of the word includes the silent letter "y" between "neuro-" and "-cytoma", which is pronounced as /saɪtəʊ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. These tumors are typically treated with surgical resection and radiation therapy.
Neurocytomas are rare, slow-growing tumors that arise from neuronal cells in the central nervous system. They primarily occur in the ventricular system of the brain, which consists of a network of fluid-filled spaces (ventricles) that produce and circulate cerebrospinal fluid.
Neurocytomas are typically benign tumors, although some cases may exhibit malignant characteristics and invasive growth patterns. They commonly affect young adults and are more frequently found in the lateral ventricles of the brain. However, they can also arise in other ventricular regions, such as the third or fourth ventricle, or within the spinal cord.
Histologically, neurocytomas are composed of well-differentiated neuronal-like cells that form cohesive clusters or sheets. These cells often exhibit round or oval-shaped nuclei and may have limited cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells express markers associated with neuronal differentiation, such as synaptophysin and neuron-specific enolase.
Clinical presentation varies depending on the tumor's location and size but may include symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure, such as headache, vomiting, or visual disturbances. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for neurocytomas, and patients with completely resected tumors generally have a favorable prognosis. However, cases with recurrence, incomplete resection, or malignant transformation may require additional therapies, including radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
As neurocytomas are relatively rare, further research is necessary to fully understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, optimal treatment strategies, and long-term outcomes associated with these tumors.
The word "neurocytoma" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "neuron" (νεῦρον), meaning "nerve", and "cytoma" (κύτομα), meaning "tumor". The term "neurocytoma" was first coined by a pathologist named Hassoun and colleagues in 1982 to describe a specific type of brain tumor characterized by neuronal-like cells.