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Living with Central neurocytoma

A very rare brain tumor that mostly affects young adults and can cause headaches and pressure in the brain.

Understanding Central neurocytoma

Central neurocytoma is a very rare brain tumor of young adults, usually found in fluid-filled spaces of the brain called the lateral ventricles.

More than 100 cases have been reported worldwide. It can occasionally be found in the third ventricle. Symptoms come from increased pressure inside the skull. Removing the whole tumor is the treatment of choice.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Headache
  • Extra fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus)
  • Vision problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Poor balance and coordination (ataxia)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and cancer specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can the whole tumor be removed with surgery?
Which tests will I need after surgery?
Which specialists should be on my care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startfrom Childhood to Adulthood

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.

Neurological

Also known as: central neurocytoma - histology; central neurocytoma (who grade ii); lipomatous medulloblastoma; medullocytoma; neurolipocytoma

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Central neurocytomaGARD ID 10641 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Central neurocytoma.

Explore the Central neurocytoma blog

Explore research for Central neurocytoma

Explore actively recruiting Central neurocytoma studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Central neurocytoma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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