Germ-cell tumors of the diencephalon
Butler, I.J.; Borit, A.
Progress in Clinical and Biological Research 92: 263-271
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0361-7742 PMID: 6287496 Document Number: 190338
Germ-cell tumors arising in the neuraxis have similar histopathological characteristics to those germ-cell tumors occurring in the gonads and other midline body sites. As a rare cause of intracranial neoplasm, germ-cell tumors affect predominantly the diencephalon and in particular the pineal region and suprasellar structures. Clinical features are due to local infiltration of these areas by tumor and hydrocephalus. Germinomas or mixed-cell tumors with a germinoma component make up the majority of these tumors and are very responsive to irradiation and chemotherapy. Early clinical recognition of a diencephalic tumor and determination of the specific tumor-cell type may result in curative treatment by surgery, irradiation and chemotherapy.