Cerebellar Lipocytoma. Case report with considerations on prognosis and management

BACKGROUND: Cerebellar liponeurocytoma has only recently been recognized as a distinct clinicopathological entity. Although the few cases described in literature support the relatively benign nature of this lesion, optimum treatment strategy and long term behaviour still have to be defined. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: This 61-year-old man came under our observation with unspecific signs of intracranial hypertension and a symptomathology revealing a probable posterior fossa lesion. Imaging studies showed a cerebellar mass lesion with prevalent adipose content. INTERVENTION: Gross total tumour removal was performed. The pathological examination revealed a lesion composed of medulloblastoma-like cells with prominent areas of lipidisation. A review of literature has been made in an attempt to investigate on recurrence patterns, importance of the extent of removal and the usefulness of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The few cases reported in literature so far seem to confirm the relatively benign nature of cerebellar liponeurocytoma. No radiotherapy was given in our case and the reasons for this decision are reported.