Tectal gliomas: assessment of malignant progression, clinical management, and quality of life in a supposedly benign neoplasm

OBJECTIVETectal gliomas constitute a rare and inhomogeneous group of lesions with an uncertain clinical course. Because these supposedly benign tumorsare frequently followed up by observation over many years, the authors undertook this analysis of their own case series in an effort to demonstrate that the clinical course is highly variable and that there is a potential for a progressive biology.METHODSClinical data analysis of 23 cases of tectal glioma (involving 9 children and 14 adults) was performed retrospectively. Radiographic data were analyzed longitudinally and MR images were evaluated for tumor volume, contrast enhancement, and growth progression. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC BN20 and C30 questionnaires during follow-up in a subgroup of patients.RESULTSThe patients’ mean age at diagnosis was 29.2 years. The main presenting symptom at diagnosis was hydrocephalus (80%). Six patients were treated by primary tumor resection (26.1%), 3 patients underwent biopsy followed by resection (...