Surgical treatment of neuronal-glial tumors of mesial-basal part of temporal lobe: Long term outcome and control of epilepsy in pediatric patients

In patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and a lesion of mesial-basal part of temporal lobe suggestive of a glial-neuronal tumor, surgical treatment is strongly recommended, aiming at excision of tumor and elimination of seizures. Histological verification of the lesion is a pre-requisite for optimal treatment planning. In most patients, both treatment goals may be reached. Short duration of epilepsy prior to surgery and young age are favorable prognostic factors. Histological diagnosis of GG, co-existence of cortical dysplasia and location of tumor extending beyond mesial-basal temporal structures are associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications. These may out-weight expected benefits of surgery.