Malignant Transformation of Recurrent Residual Cerebellopontine Angle Epidermoid Tumor: Significance of Clinical Vigilance and Long-term Surveillance

Abstract

Epidermoid tumors (ET) are slow-growing masses where malignant transformations occur extremely rarely. Malignant transformation warning signs are the rapid-onset, progression and recurrence of symptoms. The radiologic evidence for malignant transformation is contrast enhancement with rapid growth, observed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT scans. Here we provide a case report of a 68-year-old woman with a long-standing history of left-sided cerebellopontine angle ET who presented with a recent worsening of symptoms, and MRI observation of new ET contrast enhancement. Surgical re-exploration and histopathologic confirmation are mandatory in this setting of recent symptom worsening and MRI observation of rapid mass growth.