| Print Date: | May 19, 2013, 7:59 pm |
| Title | Astrocytoma, low-grade (WHO 2), supratentorial |
| Text | Astrocytomas are graded on an ascending scale of agression, from WHO Gr 1 to Gr 4. Circumscribed astrocytoma - like pilocytic and subependymal giant cell - are Gr 1.
Non-enhancing low-grade diffuse astrocytoma are Gr2, while anaplastic are Gr 3, and glioblastoma is Gr 4. WHO Gr 2 - most simply called just "astrocytoma" - have a relatively good prognosis. They should not have prominent enhancement. In fact, some literature indicates they should not enhance at all, and they should not have increased perfusion. Sometimes they may have reduced perfusion. They should not show increased metabolism. Prognosis and survival are relatively good. In a review of 179 adult supratentorial low-grade astrocytomas (over 10 years). 80% alive at 5yrs after "total removal". 50% alive at 5yrs after incomplete removal, 45% alive at 5yrs after biopsy. "Among the entire population, the influence of radiotherapy was not obvious: 65% of patients were alive at 5 years without radiotherapy compared to 55% with radiotherapy." Neurosurgery. 1993 Apr;32(4):554-9. PMID: 8474646 |
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| Contributor | Neveus R Flammeus (No Academic Affiliation) |
| Peer Reviewer | James G. Smirniotopoulos, M.D. (Uniformed Services University) |
| Record Number | : 625 |
| Created | 1999-01-10 00:00:00-05 |
| Modified | 2010-12-27 07:35:30-05 |
| Category: | Neoplasm, glial |
| Location: | Brain and Neuro |
| Sublocation: | Cerebellar Hemisphere |
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