Astrocytoma overview: Difference between revisions
Simrat Sarai (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
{{CMG}} | {{CMG}} | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Astrocytomas are primary intracranial [[tumor]]s derived from [[astrocyte]]s cells of the brain. They may arise in the [[cerebral hemispheres]], in the [[Posterior cranial fossa|posterior fossa]], in the [[optic nerve]], and rarely, the [[spinal cord]]. Astrocytomas are a type of neoplasm of the brain. They originate in a particular kind of glial-cells, star-shaped brain cells in the cerebrum called astrocytes. This type of tumor does not usually spread outside the brain and spinal cord and it does not usually affect other organs. Astrocytomas are the most common glioma and can occur in most parts of the brain and occasionally in the spinal cord. | |||
==Historical Perspective== | |||
Astrocytoma was first described by Virchow in 1840 as glioma duram. In 1932, the histological description of cerebellar astrocytoma was given by Bergstrand. | |||
==Classification== | |||
Astrocytoma may be classified according to its [[histology]] into 4 grades: [[pilocytic astrocytoma]], [[diffuse astrocytoma]], anaplastic astrocytoma and [[glioblastoma multiforme]]. | |||
==Pathophysiology== | |||
On gross pathology, compression, [[invasion]] and destruction of [[brain]] [[parenchyma]] are characteristic findings of astrocytoma. On microscopic histopathological analysis, [[gemistocytes]], rosenthal fibres and hyalinisation of [[blood vessel]]s are characteristic findings of astrocytoma. | |||
==Causes== | |||
The cause of astrocytoma has not been identified. | |||
==Differential Diagnosis== | |||
Astrocytoma must be differentiated from other space occupying [[CNS]] lesions that cause neurological symptoms such as subependymal [[nodule]], central neurocytoma, [[oligodendroglioma]], intraventricular [[meningioma]], intraventricular [[metastasis]], [[medulloblastoma]], [[sarcoma]], primitive neuroectodermal [[tumor]], [[choroid plexus]] [[carcinoma]] and [[glioblastoma multiforme]]. | |||
==Epidemiology and Demographics== | |||
In 2014 the incidence of [[pilocytic astrocytoma]] is 0.23 per 100,000 and the number of new cases is 700 per year in United States. Patients of all age groups may develop astrocytoma. [[Pilocytic astrocytoma]] accounts for 0.6-5.1% of all intracranial [[neoplasm]]s. | |||
==Risk Factors== | |||
Common [[risk]] factors in the development of astrocytoma are past [[exposure]] to [[radiation therapy]] to the [[brain]] and [[congenital disease]]s. <ref name=National cancer institute>{{cite web | title = NCI| url = http://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/patient/child-astrocytoma-treament-pdq }}</ref> | |||
==Natural History== | |||
If left untreated, low grade astrocytoma associated with [[epilepsy]] is less [[malignant]] over time and has lower level of recurrence. Common complications are increased [[intracranial pressure]], cognitive dysfunction, behavioral complications, [[vision]] defects and [[muscle weakness]]. Low grade astrocytoma and isolated [[tumor]] have a better [[prognosis]] than high grade astrocytoma and diffuse [[tumor]]. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 02:47, 25 August 2015
|
Astrocytoma Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Study |
|
Astrocytoma overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Astrocytoma overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Astrocytomas are primary intracranial tumors derived from astrocytes cells of the brain. They may arise in the cerebral hemispheres, in the posterior fossa, in the optic nerve, and rarely, the spinal cord. Astrocytomas are a type of neoplasm of the brain. They originate in a particular kind of glial-cells, star-shaped brain cells in the cerebrum called astrocytes. This type of tumor does not usually spread outside the brain and spinal cord and it does not usually affect other organs. Astrocytomas are the most common glioma and can occur in most parts of the brain and occasionally in the spinal cord.
Historical Perspective
Astrocytoma was first described by Virchow in 1840 as glioma duram. In 1932, the histological description of cerebellar astrocytoma was given by Bergstrand.
Classification
Astrocytoma may be classified according to its histology into 4 grades: pilocytic astrocytoma, diffuse astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme.
Pathophysiology
On gross pathology, compression, invasion and destruction of brain parenchyma are characteristic findings of astrocytoma. On microscopic histopathological analysis, gemistocytes, rosenthal fibres and hyalinisation of blood vessels are characteristic findings of astrocytoma.
Causes
The cause of astrocytoma has not been identified.
Differential Diagnosis
Astrocytoma must be differentiated from other space occupying CNS lesions that cause neurological symptoms such as subependymal nodule, central neurocytoma, oligodendroglioma, intraventricular meningioma, intraventricular metastasis, medulloblastoma, sarcoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, choroid plexus carcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme.
Epidemiology and Demographics
In 2014 the incidence of pilocytic astrocytoma is 0.23 per 100,000 and the number of new cases is 700 per year in United States. Patients of all age groups may develop astrocytoma. Pilocytic astrocytoma accounts for 0.6-5.1% of all intracranial neoplasms.
Risk Factors
Common risk factors in the development of astrocytoma are past exposure to radiation therapy to the brain and congenital diseases.
Natural History
If left untreated, low grade astrocytoma associated with epilepsy is less malignant over time and has lower level of recurrence. Common complications are increased intracranial pressure, cognitive dysfunction, behavioral complications, vision defects and muscle weakness. Low grade astrocytoma and isolated tumor have a better prognosis than high grade astrocytoma and diffuse tumor.