Overview
Central neurocytoma is a rare, usually benign brain tumor that grows inside the fluid-filled spaces of the brain called the ventricles — most often in the lateral ventricles near the center of the brain. It is sometimes called a 'central neurocytoma of the ventricle' or simply 'neurocytoma.' The tumor is made up of nerve cells (neurons) that look relatively normal under a microscope, which is one reason it tends to behave less aggressively than many other brain tumors. It most commonly affects young adults, typically between the ages of 20 and 40. Because the tumor grows inside the ventricles, it can block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid — the liquid that cushions and protects the brain. This blockage causes a buildup of pressure inside the skull, a condition called hydrocephalus. The most common symptoms are headaches, nausea, vomiting, and vision changes caused by this increased pressure. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. When surgery alone is not enough, radiation therapy — including a precise technique called stereotactic radiosurgery (such as Gamma Knife) — may be used. The outlook for most people with central neurocytoma is generally good, especially when the tumor is fully removed. Regular follow-up with brain imaging is important to watch for any regrowth.
Key symptoms:
Persistent or worsening headachesNausea and vomiting, especially in the morningBlurred or double visionDizziness or problems with balanceMemory problems or difficulty concentratingFeeling unusually tired or sluggishWeakness or numbness in the arms or legsChanges in personality or moodSeizures (less common)Swelling of the optic nerve causing vision changes (papilledema)
Clinical phenotype terms (19)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Central neurocytoma.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Central neurocytoma.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Was the tumor completely removed, and what does that mean for my risk of it coming back?,Do I need radiation therapy, and what are the risks and benefits for my specific situation?,How often do I need follow-up MRI scans, and for how long?,What symptoms should make me go to the emergency room right away?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,What long-term effects should I expect from surgery or radiation on my memory and daily functioning?,Should I see a neuropsychologist to assess and support my cognitive health after treatment?
Common questions about Central neurocytoma
What is Central neurocytoma?
Central neurocytoma is a rare, usually benign brain tumor that grows inside the fluid-filled spaces of the brain called the ventricles — most often in the lateral ventricles near the center of the brain. It is sometimes called a 'central neurocytoma of the ventricle' or simply 'neurocytoma.' The tumor is made up of nerve cells (neurons) that look relatively normal under a microscope, which is one reason it tends to behave less aggressively than many other brain tumors. It most commonly affects young adults, typically between the ages of 20 and 40. Because the tumor grows inside the ventricles
How is Central neurocytoma inherited?
Central neurocytoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Central neurocytoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Central neurocytoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Central neurocytoma?
3 specialists and care centers treating Central neurocytoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.