Abstract
BACKGROUND
Intracranial Growing teratoma syndrome(iGTS) is a phenomenon in which a tumor with a teratoma component grows during treatment, and its pathological tissue is often a mature teratoma. Here we report a case of iGTS in which the timing of surgery was determined by tumor markers and changes in tumor size on MRI images. CASE-REPORT: 11-year-old boy with a short stature. He developed a headache and we found a pineal gland tumor on MRI. Due to obstructive hydrocephalus, an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy were performed. The pathological diagnosis was mature teratoma, but AFP was elevated at 104.2 ng/mL. Considering NGGCT, we started chemoradiation immediately. Despite the declining AFP, it gradually increased, at which point we suspected iGTS. Resection was considered, but at some point tumor growth had stopped, so radiation therapy and a second course of ICE therapy preceded the resection. Thereafter, the tumor was completely removed, and a third course of ICE therapy was performed.
DISCUSSION
The onset mechanism of iGTS has not been elucidated, and its prediction is difficult. Early resection of the tumor is required, but discontinuation of radiation therapy and side effects of chemotherapy also need to be considered. In our case, resection was performed after normalization of AFP and recovery of myelosuppression. The patient followed an uneventful course, but the timing of resection was controversial.
CONCLUSION
We experienced a case of iGTS in NGGCT, a mixed tumor with mature teratoma. The optimal timing of the resection was discussed and literature was reviewed.
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