Suprasellar Mature Cystic Teratoma : An Unusual Location for an Uncommon Tumor

Abstract EN

Intracranial germ cell tumors are uncommon and account for only 0.3–3.4% of all intracranial tumors.

Teratomas are a subset of these neoplasms, and their finding in brain structures is exceptionally rare, and occurrence within the skull base is quite novel.

The authors report the case of a 57-year-old male patient who presented with vision changes, incontinence, ataxia, and altered mental status of 1 week’s duration.

Imaging revealed a large intrasellar mass with suprasellar extension, involvement of the ventricular system, and marked hydrocephalus with the enlargement of the lateral and third ventricles.

The patient underwent a pterional craniotomy/transsylvian approach for resection of the mass.

Postoperative histological examination of the resected mass was confirmatory for a mature cystic teratoma.

This was followed by radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and adjuvant radiotherapy.

At the most recent followup, approximately 4 years later, the patient is doing well with improved vision since the operation.

This report highlights our experience with a teratoma in a very unusual location, and we review the relevant literature.