Talk:Hamartoma

someone should make it so that searching for Choristoma will lead to this page. I'm not sure how to do it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Smaru (talk • contribs) 19:22, 14 February 2009 (UTC)

It looks like some med students took to this article with highlighters with all the rampant bolding of text! 130.95.128.51 02:38, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

It would be great if someone could write about the incidence and prevalence of these tumors, preferably by tissue type.

Should there be a section on the uterus? http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40024884/ says that "Uterine fibroids are a very common hamartoma." —Preceding unsigned comment added by Andrew Benton (talk • contribs) 13:50, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

Why does the footnote say αμαρτία is philippine? Clearly it is Greek. 8.19.44.167 (talk) 22:02, 28 October 2012 (UTC)

Hypothalamic Hamartoma

Gelastic epilepsy typically is the end result of an unusual brain tumor called hypothalamic hamartoma. These typical seizures consist of a variety of types; most notably uncontrollable laughing spells. The hamartoma itself is generally considered benign and does not need treatment from a tumor perspective. Other associated problems with these lesions include developmental delay, behavioral problems, and endocrinological disorders.

Treatment to date has revolved around the use of anti-convulsant medications. This has led to disappointing results and surgical options have been explored. Options tried in the past include surgical resection, stereotactic radiation, radiofrequency ablation, and vagal nerve stimulation. Results have not been well documented in the medical literature, but the two most promising treatment options include microsurgical resection and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Microsurgical resection has been reported by few centers and techniques are varied. A recent series in Australia suggests the trans-callosal trans-forniceal approach to the hypothalamic tumor may yield better results than other more traditional approaches which are risky secondary to the deep location of the tumor. This newly described technique involves a small craniotomy on top of the head with an approach to the tumor in between the two hemispheres of the brain. The tumor is then finally approached and resected through the roof of the third ventricle. Despite initial promising results, it remains too early to know the long term efficacy of resection and or disconnection of the tumor from the underlying hypothalamus. Early results suggest a seizure free rate of 50-70% which is clearly better than other options.

This surgery is not without risks however. Besides the usual risks of infection and bleeding, surgery in and about the third ventricle/hypothalamus area carries significant neurologic risks. These include hydrocephalus, stroke, and death. Risks specific to the hypothalamus itself include eating disorders, aggression, trouble with regulating sodium balance in the body, level of consciousness and wakefulness difficulties, and memory disturbances. Memory disturbances appear to be the most commonly seen post-operative deficit and usually are transient.

At the Cleveland Clinic Foundation the pediatric epilepsy and neurosurgical epilepsy programs along with endocrinology and neuroradiology have begun a comprehensive program to treat this difficult clinical disorder. Surgery is the first step in achieving a better quality of life for this disabling problem. Please contact us if you need further information or would like an evaluation.

Social Media By posting on any site below, you are bound by the Social Media Policy. Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn —Preceding unsigned comment added by 83.208.139.76 (talk) 18:30, 21 September 2010 (UTC)