EC Paediatrics

Embryonic tumors can occur at any age, but are more common in infants and young children. They are malignant tumors originating from fetal (embryonic) cells in the brain. They are most commonly found in the pineal region. They are believed to be spontaneous in etiology, but others have attributed the cause to incidental diagnostic X-ray exposure. Primary intracranial germ cell tumors are radiosensitive and potentially treatable when standard surgery and radiotherapy (RT) are recommended. A 1-year-old female infant was brought to our outpatient clinic by her family with complaints of sudden onset of left hemiparesis and inability to walk for the past 10 days. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic-cavitated mass lesion with thick irregular walls and hemorrhagic content, approximately 98x77x82 mm in size, located in the right frontoparietal region. There was another solid component measuring 52x39 mm in size in the parafalcine area adjacent to the posterior vertex of the lesion. The patient underwent surgery and was diagnosed with WHO grade IV CNS embryonic tumor. Radiation and medical oncology clinics were consulted and treatment is still ongoing. In pediatric embryonal tumors, diagnosis of pathological subgroups with genetic studies is extremely important in order to apply appropriate treatment. More promising results are expected after treatment with developing surgical techniques and chemotherapeutic drugs.

 Keywords: Pediatric Embryonal Tumor; Management; Diagnosis; Radiotherapy

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