RARE TUMORS OF POSTERIOR CRANIAL FOSSA IN ADULTS: A SINGLE UNIT EXPERIENCE AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Objectives

Tumors arising in the posterior cranial fossa pertain to a special category of neoplasm in the manner that they can cause cerebellar syndrome, obstructive hydrocephalus, brainstem compression – cranial nerve dysfunction – and herniation. In the cerebellopontine angle, the most common tumors are acoustic neuromas followed by meningiomas. Among the petroclival tumors, the most common benign tumors are meningiomas and the most common malign tumors are chordomas and metastases. Among jugular foramen tumors, the common tumors are schwannomas, paragangliomas and meningiomas. We report our unit’s experience with the neurosurgical management of rare posterior cranial fossa tumors as compared to the main literature results, taking into consideration the clinical, radiological aspects and the outcome.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of a single unit cohort of patients diagnosed with rare posterior cranial fossa tumors, who underwent surgical treatment in the Neurosurgery I Department of the University Emergency Hospital Bucharest between 2017 and 2024. Relevant literature review was analyzed, as well as serial clinical examinations, imaging studies, and operative records were taken into consideration.

Conclusions

Depending on the location, size, and pathology of the posterior cranial fossa tumors, there are different treatment options, which include microsurgical resection, observation, stereotactic radiotherapy. These type of lesions still represent a challenge and require electing the most suitable approach whilst preserving the neurologic function of the patient.