title: Suprasellar mature cystic teratoma: an unusual location for an uncommon tumor.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, 400 N. Pepper Avenue Colton, CA 92324, USA.
authors.forename: Raed B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Sweiss
authors.forename: Faris
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shweikeh
authors.forename: Fadi B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Sweiss
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zyck
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dalvin
authors.forename: Javed
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Siddiqi