Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor Pathology

Multinodularity at low-power is a key feature with neuroglial columns comprised of bundles of axons aligned perpendicular to the cortical surface. These columns are lined by oligodendroglial like cells incorporated within a mucoid matrix with interspersed neurons. Occasionally difficult to differentiate from oligodendroglioma.

Two distinct forms ¹⁾ (do not appear to have different prognoses):

Simple form: glioneural elements consisting of axon bundles perpendicular to the cortical sur- face, lined with oligodendroglial-like cells that are S-100 positive and GFAP negative. Normal appearing neurons floating in a pale eosinophilic matrix are scattered between these columns (no resemblance to ganglion cells, unlike gangliogliomas)

Complex form: glioneural elements as described above in the simple form, with glial nodules scattered throughout. The glial component may mimic a low-grade fibrillary astrocytoma. Foci of cortical dysplasia occur