Types & Subtypes

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)

A DNET is a benign-behaving glioneuronal tumor that typically causes seizures in young people and is generally cured by surgery.

In short: Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)

It is a benign-behaving (grade 1) glioneuronal tumor.
It typically causes seizures in children and young adults.
It often arises in the temporal lobe.
It is generally cured by surgical removal.

What it is

A dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) is a benign-behaving (WHO grade 1) glioneuronal tumor that typically causes seizures in children and young adults. It often arises in the temporal lobe and is generally cured by surgical removal.

Understanding Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)

DNET is one of the classic tumors associated with long-standing, drug-resistant epilepsy, frequently discovered during the evaluation of seizures. It is a benign, slow-growing tumor that usually does not progress. Because it is low-grade and relatively localized, surgery is the main treatment and is generally curative — and removing the tumor frequently controls or resolves the seizures, which is often the main goal. DNETs rarely recur after complete removal and have an excellent outlook. They are an important entity to recognize in epilepsy surgery, as their identification supports a favorable prognosis. Understanding DNET clarifies a benign, seizure-associated glioneuronal tumor generally cured by surgery.

Why it matters

Understanding DNET helps patients and families see a benign tumor that typically causes epilepsy in young people — generally cured by surgery, which often controls the seizures, with an excellent outlook.

Common questions

What is a DNET?

A benign-behaving glioneuronal tumor that typically causes seizures.

Who does it affect?

Children and young adults.

Is it curable?

Generally — by surgical removal, which often controls seizures.

Bottom line

A DNET is a benign-behaving glioneuronal tumor that typically causes seizures in young people and is generally cured by surgery, with an excellent outlook.

More terms in Types & Subtypes

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Myxopapillary ependymomaMyxopapillary ependymoma is a distinct ependymoma of the lower spinal cord region, usually slow-growing and often treatable by complete removal.
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Optic pathway gliomaAn optic pathway glioma is a usually low-grade glioma of the visual pathways, common in children with neurofibromatosis type 1, often managed without immediate surgery.
Tectal / focal brainstem gliomaA tectal or focal brainstem glioma is a usually low-grade, slow-growing brainstem tumor that is often managed conservatively, in contrast to DIPG.

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