Tectal lesions in children: A long-term follow-up volumetric tumor growth analysis in surgical and nonsurgical cases

Background/Aims: Different tectal masses have been described; most are low-grade gliomas. Only 20-30% of all lesions grow, as shown on follow-up MRIs, requiring surgical resection at some point. The aim of this study is to describe the experience of a single institution managing pediatric patients with tectal lesions. Methods: We retrospectively studied and analyzed 40 children with tectal lesions managed from 1990 to 2006; the mean age at diagnosis was 9.4 years. A volumetric classification was used to analyze tumor growth trends. More than 1 year of imaging follow-up was available for 23 patients. Results and Conclusion: Medium-and large-volume-size lesions were associated with the need for surgery. About half of the nonsurgical lesions grew at least 50% over a period of 4.5 years and did not require surgical resection.