Intracranial sebaceous neoplasm: a case report

Neurosurgery. 2012 Jun;70(6):E1608-12. doi: 10.1227/NEU.0b013e31822e5a3c.

Abstract

Background and importance: Sebaceous neoplasms range from hyperplastic hamartomas to malignant tumors and are most commonly cutaneous lesions. We describe the first reported case of an intracranial sebaceous neoplasm, discussing the differential diagnosis and possible pathogenesis in relation to the current literature.

Clinical presentation: A 58-year-old man presented with evolving neck stiffness, facial pain, and progressively worsening diplopia. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a moderate-sized lesion intimately related to the left cavernous sinus, which had extended into the posterior fossa. The patient underwent endoscopic, transnasal subtotal resection of the neoplasm with significant improvement. Histologically, the tumor was identified as a sebaceous neoplasm previously unreported intracranially. Follow-up imaging at 6 months revealed no further recurrence.

Conclusion: This is the first reported case of an intracranial sebaceous neoplasm. Careful follow-up is required to help elucidate the biology of this tumor in an effort to determine the role of adjuvant therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Adnexal and Skin Appendage / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Adnexal and Skin Appendage / surgery