Abstract
BACKGROUND: Epidermoid tumors (ETs) of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare tumors that typically occur in the 4(th) decade. They typically grow around vital neurovascular structures which makes surgical treatment difficult. The objective of this paper is to report on the effectiveness and safety in the management of epidermoid tumors with gamma knife surgery (GKS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the medical records of 8 patients treated with GKS for epidermoid tumors between July 2010 to June 2019. The median prescription dose was 11 Gy, ranging from 10 to 12 Gy, 5 patients received the total dose target to the 50% line and 3 to the 55% isodose line. The mean tumor volume was 12.4 cc ranging from 4.4 to 24.8cc. The median follow-up time was 33.7 months and ranged from 0.9 to 58.8 months. At follow-up, patients were evaluated for neurological signs and symptoms and radiographic evidence of progression of disease. Two patients were treated after failure of linac stereotactic radiosurgery. One patient underwent stereotactic radiosurgery prior to GKS, and the other had failed surgical resection prior to GKS. RESULTS: The median age was 33 years old. There were two males and six females. The most common presenting manifestation was headaches followed by vision and hearing problems. Symptoms were resolved in all cases, except for one who had partial control of trigeminal neuralgia. All patients were locally controlled by imaging and neurological examination at first follow-up. CONCLUSION: Gamma knife surgery is a safe and effective alternative treatment in patients with CNS epidermoid tumors and should be included in the initial recommendation.