Pilocytic astrocytoma
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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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. It is often cystic and if solid, it tends to be well circumscribed. It is characteristically a contrast enhancing tumor by current imaging investigations (e.g. CT scan, MRI)
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.
External links
- Medical Image Database
- UC
- fightJPA - An Organization Dedicated to Funding Research into Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma
Acknowledgements
The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.
Initial content for this page in some instances came from Wikipedia