Ectomesenchymal hamartoma (benign ''ectomesenchymoma'') of the VIIIth nerve: Case report

Author(s): Spetzler, R. F., Johnson, P. C.

Journal/Book: Neurosurgery. 1995; 37: 351 West Camden St, Baltimore, MD 21201-2436. Williams & Wilkins. 1204-1207.

Abstract: WE REPORT A previously undescribed hamartoma of the VIIIth nerve, consisting of adipose tissue, Schwann cells associated with myelinated nerve fibers, well-differentiated smooth and striated muscle fibers, and rare ganglion cells. The tumor was found in a 35-year-old Caucasian female who presented with right-sided hearing loss. The mass, which we designate an ''ectomesenchymal'' hamartoma, most likely developed from pluripotent neural crest cells (''ectomesenchyme''), which are capable of differentiating into a variety of neuroectodermal and mesenchymal cell types. The development of the neural crest, the concept of ''ectomesenchyme,'' and the histogenesis of this tumor are reviewed.

Note: Note PJ Apostolides, St Josephs Hosp, Barrow Neurol Inst, Div Neurosurg, Phoenix, AZ USA

Keyword(s): brain tumor; ectomesenchyme; ectomesenchymoma; hamartoma; neural crest; neurofibroma; schwannoma; MALIGNANT TRITON TUMORS; NEUROMUSCULAR HAMARTOMA; DIFFERENTIATION; GANGLIORHABDOMYOSARCOMA; LIPOMAS

Zurück | Weiter