Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumors: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumors?
A neurologist usually manages care for people with a DNET. A neurosurgeon may be involved if surgery is considered. Some patients also see an epileptologist, a neurologist with extra training in seizure disorders. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, often called a DNET, is a slow-growing growth in the brain. It is not cancer and does not spread. Doctors consider it a benign tumor. These growths often form in the cortex, the outer part of the brain that controls movement, feeling, and thought. Many DNETs are found in children and young adults who have seizures.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is seizures that are hard to control with medicine. Some people have focal seizures, which start in one small area of the brain and may cause twitching, strange feelings, or brief confusion. Others have staring spells or jerking movements. Some tumors are found by accident on a scan done for another reason.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes a DNET. It appears to come from cells present in the brain before birth that grow abnormally over time. DNETs are most often found in children, teens, and young adults, and they seem to happen by chance rather than being inherited.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors usually start by asking about seizures and doing a neurologic exam. An MRI scan is the main test used to find a DNET. An EEG, which records the brain's electrical activity, may be used to check for seizure patterns.
Treatment
Seizure medicines are often tried first. If medicines do not work well, surgery to remove the tumor is the most common treatment and often works very well. Because DNETs grow so slowly, doctors may recommend monitoring instead of surgery in some cases.
When to see a doctor
Anyone who has a first seizure should see a doctor right away. Other reasons include staring spells, unexplained twitching, or unusual sensations that keep coming back. If a seizure lasts a long time or a person does not wake up afterward, call 911.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance. A concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. These doctors can order an initial brain scan or EEG, refer the patient to a neurologist, and coordinate records between specialists. They do not perform brain surgery or manage complex seizure disorders themselves, so they would refer the patient to a specialist for that care.
Common questions
Is a DNET cancer?
No. A DNET is a benign, noncancerous growth that grows very slowly and does not spread. Doctors sometimes call it a grade one tumor.
Will surgery cure the seizures?
Many people have fewer or no seizures after the tumor is removed, but results differ. Some people still need seizure medicine after surgery.
Can a DNET come back after surgery?
It is uncommon for a DNET to grow back after full removal. Doctors usually order follow-up MRI scans for several years.
Do DNETs run in families?
Most DNETs happen by chance, with no strong evidence they are inherited. A person worried about family risk can ask a doctor or genetic counselor.
Sources
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor
- American Brain Tumor Association - Glioneuronal and Neuronal
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
