medulloepithelioma
Pronunciation: meh-DUL-oh-ep-ih-thee-lee-OH-mah
A rare primitive neuroectodermal tumor characterized by neural tube-like rosettes and typically occurring in young children.
Full Definition
Medulloepithelioma is an extremely rare, primitive neuroectodermal tumor that recapitulates early stages of neural tube development. It is characterized by the presence of neural tube-like structures with multilayered rosettes resembling the embryonic medullary epithelium. These tumors typically occur in infants and young children, most commonly in the cerebral hemispheres. The histological hallmark is the formation of true rosettes with a central lumen lined by columnar or pseudostratified cells. Due to their primitive nature and aggressive behavior, medulloepitheliomas generally carry a poor prognosis.
Usage
Usage note: Extremely rare tumor; careful distinction from other primitive neuroectodermal tumors is essential.
In Context
- "The presence of neural tube-like rosettes in this pediatric brain tumor supported the diagnosis of medulloepithelioma." — Pediatric neuropathology report
- "Medulloepithelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of primitive appearing tumors in infants." — Pathology consultation note