Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG) is a rare type of brain tumor that can occur during childhood. A tumor begins when normal cells change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body). DIG is a type of glioma, a tumor that starts in the glial cells, which are supportive cells in the brain. It usually occurs on one side of the brain, can be very large, and is more common for children younger than one year old. DIG is made up of more than one type of cell and also contains cysts. It is thought that DIG begins even before a baby is born.

DIG was originally classified as a low-grade, slow-growing tumor that is usually noncancerous. However, in some instances, the tumor grows more rapidly and is more aggressive in spreading to other parts of the brain or body; this is called a high-grade tumor (see Staging/Grading [2]).

This section covers DIG diagnosed in children. Learn more about brain tumors in adults [3].

Find out more about basic terms used in this section [4].

Looking for More of an Overview?

If you would like additional introductory information, explore these related items on Cancer.Net:

• Cancer.Net Patient Education Video [5]: View a short video led by an ASCO expert in childhood cancer that provides basic information and areas of research.

Or, choose “Next” (below, right) to continue reading this detailed section. To select a specific topic within this section, use the icon panel located on the right side of your screen.