Glioma classification
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Classification
By type of cell
Gliomas are named according to the specific type of cell they most closely resemble. The main types of gliomas are:
- Ependymomas — ependymal cells
- Astrocytomas — astrocytes
- Oligodendrogliomas — oligodendrocytes
- Mixed gliomas, such as oligoastrocytomas, contain cells from different types of glia.
By grade
Gliomas are further categorized according to their grade, which is determined by pathologic evaluation of the tumor.
- Low-grade gliomas are well-differentiated (not anaplastic); these are benign and portend a better prognosis for the patient.
- High-grade gliomas are undifferentiated or anaplastic; these are malignant and carry a worse prognosis.
By location
The gliomas can also be roughly classified according to their location:
- infratentorial : mostly in children (70%)
- supratentorial : mostly in adults (70%)