Astrocytoma pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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{{Astrocytoma}} | {{Astrocytoma}} | ||
{{CMG}} | {{CMG}} | ||
== | ==Pathogenesis== | ||
Well-differentiated astrocytomas constitute about 25 to 30% of cerebral [[gliomas]]. They have a predilection for the [[cerebrum]], [[cerebellum]], [[hypothalamus]], [[pons]], and [[optic nerve]] and [[optic chiasm|chiasm]]. Although astrocytomas have many different histological characteristics, the most common type is the well-differentiated fibrillary astrocytoma. These tumors [[gene expression|express]] [[glial fibrillary acidic protein]] (GFAP), which possibly functions as a tumor suppressor<ref>{{cite journal | |||
| author =M Toda ''et al'' | |||
| title =Cell growth suppression of astrocytoma C6 cells by glial fibrillary acidic protein cDNA transfection | |||
| journal =Journal of Neurochemistry | |||
| volume =63 | |||
| issue =5 | |||
| pages =1975-1978 | |||
| date =1994 | |||
| id =PMID 7931355 }}</ref>, and is a useful diagnostic marker in a tissue biopsy. <ref>{{cite journal | |||
| author =JHN Deck ''et al'' | |||
| title = The role of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the diagnosis of central nervous system tumors | |||
| journal =Acta Neuropathologica | |||
| volume =42 | |||
| issue =3 | |||
| pages =183-190 | |||
| publisher =Springer Berlin / Heidelberg | |||
| date =1978 | |||
| doi =10.1007/BF00690355}} | |||
</ref> | |||
===Grading=== | |||
Astrocytomas have great variation in their presentation. The [[World Health Organization]] acknowledges the following grading system for astrocytomas: | |||
* '''Grade 1''' — [[pilocytic astrocytoma]] - primarily pediatric tumor, with median age at diagnosis of 12 | |||
* '''Grade 2''' — diffuse astrocytoma | |||
* '''Grade 3''' — anaplastic (malignant) astrocytoma | |||
* '''Grade 4''' — [[glioblastoma multiforme]] (most common) | |||
In addition to these four tumor grades, astrocytomas may combine with oligodendrocytes to produce [[oligoastrocytoma]]. Unique astrocytoma variants have also been known to exist. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 16:45, 19 January 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Pathogenesis
Well-differentiated astrocytomas constitute about 25 to 30% of cerebral gliomas. They have a predilection for the cerebrum, cerebellum, hypothalamus, pons, and optic nerve and chiasm. Although astrocytomas have many different histological characteristics, the most common type is the well-differentiated fibrillary astrocytoma. These tumors express glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which possibly functions as a tumor suppressor[1], and is a useful diagnostic marker in a tissue biopsy. [2]
Grading
Astrocytomas have great variation in their presentation. The World Health Organization acknowledges the following grading system for astrocytomas:
- Grade 1 — pilocytic astrocytoma - primarily pediatric tumor, with median age at diagnosis of 12
- Grade 2 — diffuse astrocytoma
- Grade 3 — anaplastic (malignant) astrocytoma
- Grade 4 — glioblastoma multiforme (most common)
In addition to these four tumor grades, astrocytomas may combine with oligodendrocytes to produce oligoastrocytoma. Unique astrocytoma variants have also been known to exist.
References
- ↑ M Toda; et al. (1994). "Cell growth suppression of astrocytoma C6 cells by glial fibrillary acidic protein cDNA transfection". Journal of Neurochemistry. 63 (5): 1975–1978. PMID 7931355.
- ↑ JHN Deck; et al. (1978). "The role of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the diagnosis of central nervous system tumors". Acta Neuropathologica. Springer Berlin / Heidelberg. 42 (3): 183–190. doi:10.1007/BF00690355.