Epidermoid cyst involving the brain stem

Abstract

Brain stem epidermoid cysts are extremely rare. We describe an unusual case of prepontine epidermoid cyst with a large part of the tumour insinuating itself into the pons. Microsurgical total excision of tumour was done without producing any new neurological deficits. Cases reported in the literature either had high mortality/morbidity or were only subtotally removed. Relevant literature is reviewed.