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Objective The aim of this paper is to describe our surgical strategy and technique and to identify the best management for posterior fossa dermoid and epidermoid tumors (PFDETs). Methods We retrospectively identified 21 consecutive patients (11 males and 10 females), with a mean age of 33.2 years, a mean follow-up of 6.1 years, and pathologically confirmed PFDETs. Total 17 patients were submitted to the extended retrosigmoid approach. This approach incorporates transverse sigmoid sinus exposure and a generous mastoidectomy. Results Gross total tumor removal was achieved in 16 (76.1%) cases, with no surgical mortality and a recurrence rate of 9.5%. Conclusions The surgical strategies used in this group of patients enabled the total removal of most tumors without surgical mortality and with minimal morbidity and recurrence rates. The extended retrosigmoid approach used is an alternative path regarding cranial base approaches. This approach is quick, simple and safe, and decreases the retraction of the cerebellum.

Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a técnica operatória para a melhor abordagem dos tumores dermoides e epidermoides da fossa posterior. Métodos Foram analisados retrospectivamente 21 pacientes (11 masculinos e 10 femininos), com idade média de 33,2 anos e acompanhamento de 6,1 anos, com diagnóstico histopatológico de tumor dermoide ou epidermoide de fossa posterior. Nesse grupo, 17 pacientes foram submetidos a abordagem retrossigmoide estendida. Esta abordagem inclui exposição do seio transverso e sigmoide, além de ampla mastoidectomia. Resultados Remoção cirúrgica total foi alcançada em 16 (76,1%) casos sem mortalidade e com recidiva em 9,5% dos casos. Conclusões As abordagens cirúrgicas utilizadas nesta série permitiram a ressecção total na maioria dos pacientes, sem mortalidade cirúrgica e com morbidade e recorrência mínima. A craniotomia retrossigmoide estendida utilizada é uma boa alternativa para abordagens da base do crânio. É uma abordagem simples, rápida, segura, e que minimiza a retração do cerebelo.

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BACKGROUND: Epidermoid tumors (ETs) are benign lesions that are treated mainly by means of surgical resection, with overall good results. External beam radiotherapy is an alternative treatment for those recurrent tumors, in which a second surgery might not be the best choice for the patient. A little information exists about the effectiveness of gamma knife radiosurgery for the treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent ETs. We present three cases of ETs treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. CASE DESCRIPTION: Case 1 is a 21-year-old female with an ET located in the left cerebellopontine angle (CPA) with symptoms related to VIII cranial nerve dysfunction. Symptom control was achieved and maintained after single session radiosurgery with gamma knife. Case 2 is a 59-year-old female patient with the history of trigeminal neuralgia secondary to a recurrent ET located in the left CPA. Significant pain improvement was achieved after treatment with gamma knife radiosurgery. Case 3 is a 29-year-old male patient with a CPA ET causing long lasting trigeminal neuralgia, pain relief was achieved in this patient after gamma knife radiosurgery. CONCLUSION: Long-term symptom relief was achieved in all three cases proving that gamma knife radiosurgery is a good and safe alternative for patients with recurrent or nonsurgically treated ETs.

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Los tumores epidermoides representan alrededor del 1 por ciento de todos los tumores intracraneales sindo el ángulo pontocerebeloso el sitio más frecuente de localización. La lesiones del IVto ventrículo son raras. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 22 años que desarolló hidrocefalia condicionada por un tumor epidermoide del IVto ventrículo.

Epidermoid tumors account for 1 percent of intracranial neoplasms. They are usually found at the cerebello-pontine angle and location in the fourth ventricle is rare. We report the case of a 22-year-old woman with an epidermoid tumor of the fourth ventricle revealed by hydrocephalus.

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