These rare, benign brain tumors that arise from ganglia-type cells, which are groups of nerve cells. Gangliocytomas (sometimes called ganglioneuromas) are brain tumors of mature ganglion cells. Gangliogliomas are brain tumors of both mature nerve and supportive cells.
Brain tumors arising from ganglia most frequently occur in children and young adults. They represent 0.4% of all primary brain tumors and about 4% of all pediatric brain tumors.
The most common sites are the temporal lobe of the cerebral hemispheres and the third ventricle, although they might also occur in the spine. Cyst formation and calcification can be present. Seizures are the most common symptom.
These tumors are small, slow growing, and have distinct margins. Metastasis and malignancy are very rare.
TREATMENT
Surgery is the standard treatment.