Pilocytic astrocytoma
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Pilocytic astrocytoma is a brain tumor that occurs predominantly in children and involves the midline, basal and posterior fossa structures. It is generally considered a benign tumor of childhood.
Pathophysiology
Microscopic Pathology
It is often cystic and if solid, it tends to be well circumscribed. Microscopically, the tumor is composed of bipolar cells with long "hairlike" GFAP-positive processes. Rosenthal fibers, eosinophilic granular bodies and microcysts are often present. It is classified as Grade 1 Astrocytoma.
Diagnosis
CT findings
It is characteristically a contrast enhancing tumor by current imaging investigations (e.g. CT scan, MRI)