DNET | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of DNET?
DNETs are found in the cerebrum, which is the part of the brain that controls thought, movement and sensation, so your child may experience symptoms that relate to those functions. While each child may experience symptoms differently, and symptoms may vary depending on the size and exact location of the tumor, the most common symptom for DNET is the presence of seizures that are difficult to control with anti-seizure medication. It is not uncommon for children to have their first seizure before age 10, and continue to experience them for several years before the diagnosis is made.
DNET | Diagnosis & Treatments
How are dysembryoplastic neuropithelial tumors diagnosed?
If your child’s doctor suspects your child may have a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET), she may order diagnostic tests including:
- Neurological exam
- Computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Lab-based studies that can confirm the origin of DNET to develop a treatment plan
How are DNETs treated?
The most common DNET treatment is to remove the tumor surgically. Because it is a benign tumor, and prognosis is good even if not the entire tumor is not removed, radiation and chemotherapy are not used.
How we care for DNET
Children with DNETs are treated through our Brain Tumor Center at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, a world-renowned destination for children with malignant and non-malignant brain and spinal cord tumors. Our brain tumor specialists have extensive expertise in treating all types of glial and neural tumors, including dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET).
