Supratentorial embryonal tumors in the elderly: Diagnostic pitfalls and clinical prognosis

Abstract

Supratentorial embryonal tumors are very rare malignant tumors of neuroectodermal origin, characterized by an aggressive clinical behavior. They occur prevalently in children. They have been sporadically described in adults and represent an even rarer occurrence in elderly patients, raising many issues on the diagnostic pitfalls and their appropriate management. We present an unusual case of embryonal tumor in a 62-year-old man who presented with speech disorder, and partial deficit of the left 3 rd and 5 th cranial nerves secondary to a left temporo-insular embryonal tumor: the clinico-radiological features, histopathological insights, therapeutic options and results are discussed along with a review of the most relevant literature, addressing the specific issue of differential diagnosis and the expected results in the elderly population.