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  • DIG
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Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma
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My son has been diagnosed with a desmoplastic infantile ganglioma?  Could you tell me more about this tumor.



  • What is desmoplastic infantile gangliomas (DIGs)? (Back to Top)

  • Desmoplastic infantile gangliomas (DIGs) are rare brain tumors that are normally located in the frontal or parietal lobes of the brain.  They are 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 Reviewed: 4/15/2008

  • What signs and symptoms are associated with desmoplastic infantile gangliomas? (Back to Top)

  • Most infants with DIGs do not have seizures; however, they usually have a bulging fontanelle, rapid head growth, sunset sign, and vomiting. [1]
  • Last Reviewed: 4/15/2008

  • How are desmoplastic infantile gangliomas diagnosed? (Back to Top)

  • 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 Reviewed: 4/15/2008

  • What treatment is available for desmoplastic infantile gangliomas? (Back to Top)

  • 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 Reviewed: 4/15/2008

  • What prognosis is associated with desmoplastic infantile gangliogliomas?   (Back to Top)

  • 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 Reviewed: 4/15/2008


References  (Back)
  1. Smith SH. Textbook of Uncommon Cancer. 3rd ed. In: . Uncommon Pediatric Brain Tumors. 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.

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