Clinical and histopathological profile of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor: An experience from a tertiary care center

Abstract

Introduction: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) is a rare benign brain tumor predominantly involving children and young adults. Histologically, it corresponds to WHO Grade I tumors; however, it may masquerade aggressive neural tumors such as oligodendroglioma, oligoastrocytoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, and ganglioglioma. The literature on clinical, radiological, and pathological spectrum of DNT is described mostly in the form of case reports, with only a few case series reported till date. Methods: A retrospective review of files with diagnosis of DNT (2016 to 2018) was made in the Department of Pathology, National Institute of Pathology, New Delhi. A total of ten cases were retrieved, and their clinical, radiological, and histopathological features were reviewed and studied. Special stains and immunohistochemistry were done, wherever required. Results: The mean age was 14.8 (±7.9) years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. The most common mode of presentation was recurrent, intractable seizures. The most common site of lesion was parietal lobe followed by temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. On histology, mucoid matrix admixed with floating neurons and oligodendrocyte-like cells was a consistent feature; however, the presence of specific glioneuronal elements was observed in only a few cases. Conclusions: DNT is a benign, low-grade, nonrecurrent neuroepithelial neoplasm. It is important to differentiate this rare entity from other mimickers, as it is surgically curable and carries an excellent prognosis without the need for adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The study helps to enrich the clinicopathological aspects of this rare but important entity.