National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma


Other Names:
DIG
Categories:
Desmoplastic infantile gangliomas (DIGs) are rare brain tumors that are normally located in the frontal or parietal lobes of the brain. They are usually diagnosed before 18 months of age with most infants presenting with a short duration of symptoms. Although seizures are not commonly observed, a bulging fontanelle, rapid head growth, vomiting, and a sunset sign are usually noted. The standard treatment for DIGs is surgical resection (surgical procedure in which the portion of the brain with the tumor is removed).[1]
Last updated: 7/30/2013
Most infants with DIGs do not have seizures; however, they usually have a bulging fontanelle, rapid head growth, sunset sign, and vomiting.[1]
Last updated: 7/30/2013
In addition to detecting the signs and symptoms commonly seen in DIGs, head CT scans and MRIs may reveal the presence of this type of brain tumor.[1]
Last updated: 7/30/2013
Surgical resection (removal of the area of the brain with the tumor) has been the standard treatment reported in the medical literature. The size of the resection is probably based on the size of the tumor, although the extent of the resection is not documented for all cases reported in the medical literature. Adjuvant therapy is generally not performed when a gross total resection can be performed. When total resection is not possible, some of suggested chemotherapy, as the effects of radiation on extremely young children may be harmful.[1]
Last updated: 7/30/2013
Follow-up has generally been favorable following complete surgical resection in the reported cases of DIGs. Spontaneous regression of the tumor following partial surgical resection has also been documented.[2]
Last updated: 7/30/2013

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  • Cancer.Net, oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, provides information about desmoplastic infantile ganglioma. Click on the link to read this information.  
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  1. Smith SH. Uncommon Pediatric Brain Tumors. In: Raghavan D, Brecher ML, Johnson DH, Meropol NJ, Moots PL, Rose PG. Textbook of Uncommon Cancer. 3rd ed. England: John Wiley & Sons Ltd; 2006;
  2. Fadare O, Mariappan MR, Hileeto D, Zieske AW, Kim JH, Ocal IT. Desmoplastidc Infantile Ganglioglioma: cytologic findings and differential diagnosis on aspiration material. CytoJournal. 11 January 2005;