Astrocytoma: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Astrocytoma
| image          = [[File:Astrocytoma.jpg|alt=Astrocytoma|upright=1.2]]
| caption        = MRI image showing an astrocytoma
| field          = [[Neuro-oncology]]
| symptoms        = [[Headache]], [[seizures]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[vision problems]], [[personality changes]]
| onset          = Varies by type; can occur at any age
| duration        = Chronic
| types          = [[Pilocytic astrocytoma]], [[Diffuse astrocytoma]], [[Anaplastic astrocytoma]], [[Glioblastoma]]
| causes          = Unknown; risk factors include [[genetic syndromes]] such as [[neurofibromatosis]]
| risks          = [[Radiation exposure]], [[genetic predisposition]]
| diagnosis      = [[MRI]], [[CT scan]], [[biopsy]]
| differential    = [[Meningioma]], [[oligodendroglioma]], [[metastatic brain tumor]]
| treatment      = [[Surgery]], [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]]
| prognosis      = Varies by type and grade; generally poor for high-grade tumors
| frequency      = Approximately 5 per 100,000 people per year
| deaths          = Varies by type and grade; high-grade tumors have higher mortality
}}
== Astrocytoma ==
== Astrocytoma ==
[[File:Astrocytoma.jpg|thumb|right|MRI scan showing an Astrocytoma in the brain.]]
[[File:Astrocytoma.jpg|left|thumb|MRI scan showing an Astrocytoma in the brain.]]
 
'''Astrocytoma''' is a type of [[tumor]] that originates in the [[brain]] or [[spinal cord]] and is characterized by astrocytic differentiation. Astrocytomas are part of a group of tumors known as gliomas and vary widely in their behavior and prognosis.
'''Astrocytoma''' is a type of [[tumor]] that originates in the [[brain]] or [[spinal cord]] and is characterized by astrocytic differentiation. Astrocytomas are part of a group of tumors known as gliomas and vary widely in their behavior and prognosis.
== Types of Astrocytomas ==
== Types of Astrocytomas ==
Astrocytomas are classified into several types, each with distinct characteristics:
Astrocytomas are classified into several types, each with distinct characteristics:
=== Pilocytic Astrocytoma ===
=== Pilocytic Astrocytoma ===
 
[[File:Commons 20220404 000.jpg|left|thumb|Microscopic view of Pilocytic Astrocytoma.]]
[[File:Commons 20220404 000.jpg|thumb|Microscopic view of Pilocytic Astrocytoma.]]
A relatively benign form of astrocytoma typically found in children and young adults.
A relatively benign form of astrocytoma typically found in children and young adults.
=== Diffuse Astrocytoma ===
=== Diffuse Astrocytoma ===
 
[[File:Astrocytoma, grade 2, T2-FLAIR-Mismatch.jpg|left|thumb|MRI image of a Diffuse Astrocytoma.]]
[[File:Astrocytoma, grade 2, T2-FLAIR-Mismatch.jpg|thumb|MRI image of a Diffuse Astrocytoma.]]
 
A slow-growing tumor that infiltrates surrounding brain tissue.
A slow-growing tumor that infiltrates surrounding brain tissue.
=== Anaplastic Astrocytoma ===
=== Anaplastic Astrocytoma ===
 
[[File:405550-Gross-ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA.jpg|left|thumb|Histology of Anaplastic Astrocytoma.]]
[[File:405550-Gross-ANAPLASTIC ASTROCYTOMA.jpg|thumb|Histology of Anaplastic Astrocytoma.]]
A more aggressive and malignant form, characterized by rapid growth.
A more aggressive and malignant form, characterized by rapid growth.
=== Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma ===
=== Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma ===
A rare tumor usually occurring in young adults, with a relatively favorable prognosis.
A rare tumor usually occurring in young adults, with a relatively favorable prognosis.
=== Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma ===
=== Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma ===
 
[[File:T2 weighted MRI brain of pilocystic astrocytoma post operative with cystic and gliosis changes in left cerebellum.png|left|thumb|Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma.]]
[[File:T2 weighted MRI brain of pilocystic astrocytoma post operative with cystic and gliosis changes in left cerebellum.png|thumb|Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma.]]
Typically associated with tuberous sclerosis, these tumors are generally benign.
Typically associated with tuberous sclerosis, these tumors are generally benign.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
Symptoms of astrocytomas can vary based on the tumor's location and size and may include:
Symptoms of astrocytomas can vary based on the tumor's location and size and may include:
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* Seizures
* Seizures
* Neurological deficits (e.g., speech or vision problems)
* Neurological deficits (e.g., speech or vision problems)
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like MRI or CT scans and a biopsy to confirm the tumor type.
Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like MRI or CT scans and a biopsy to confirm the tumor type.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment depends on the type and grade of the tumor and may include:
Treatment depends on the type and grade of the tumor and may include:
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* Radiation therapy
* Radiation therapy
* Chemotherapy
* Chemotherapy
{{tumorstub}}
{{tumorstub}}
{{Medical resources
{{Medical resources
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|  MeSH  = D001254
|  MeSH  = D001254
}}
}}
== Prognosis ==
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for astrocytoma patients varies widely depending on the tumor type, location, patient age, and overall health.
The prognosis for astrocytoma patients varies widely depending on the tumor type, location, patient age, and overall health.
== External Links ==
== External Links ==
* [https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/about/what-is-brain-spinal-cord-tumor.html American Cancer Society - Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors]
* [https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/about/what-is-brain-spinal-cord-tumor.html American Cancer Society - Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors]
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350084 Mayo Clinic - Brain Tumor]
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/brain-tumor/symptoms-causes/syc-20350084 Mayo Clinic - Brain Tumor]
[[Category:Neurological Disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological Disorders]]
[[Category:Cancer]]
[[Category:Cancer]]

Latest revision as of 16:47, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Astrocytoma
Astrocytoma
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Headache, seizures, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, personality changes
Complications N/A
Onset Varies by type; can occur at any age
Duration Chronic
Types Pilocytic astrocytoma, Diffuse astrocytoma, Anaplastic astrocytoma, Glioblastoma
Causes Unknown; risk factors include genetic syndromes such as neurofibromatosis
Risks Radiation exposure, genetic predisposition
Diagnosis MRI, CT scan, biopsy
Differential diagnosis Meningioma, oligodendroglioma, metastatic brain tumor
Prevention N/A
Treatment Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Varies by type and grade; generally poor for high-grade tumors
Frequency Approximately 5 per 100,000 people per year
Deaths Varies by type and grade; high-grade tumors have higher mortality


Astrocytoma[edit]

MRI scan showing an Astrocytoma in the brain.

Astrocytoma is a type of tumor that originates in the brain or spinal cord and is characterized by astrocytic differentiation. Astrocytomas are part of a group of tumors known as gliomas and vary widely in their behavior and prognosis.

Types of Astrocytomas[edit]

Astrocytomas are classified into several types, each with distinct characteristics:

Pilocytic Astrocytoma[edit]

Microscopic view of Pilocytic Astrocytoma.

A relatively benign form of astrocytoma typically found in children and young adults.

Diffuse Astrocytoma[edit]

MRI image of a Diffuse Astrocytoma.

A slow-growing tumor that infiltrates surrounding brain tissue.

Anaplastic Astrocytoma[edit]

Histology of Anaplastic Astrocytoma.

A more aggressive and malignant form, characterized by rapid growth.

Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma[edit]

A rare tumor usually occurring in young adults, with a relatively favorable prognosis.

Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma[edit]

Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma.

Typically associated with tuberous sclerosis, these tumors are generally benign.

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of astrocytomas can vary based on the tumor's location and size and may include:

  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Neurological deficits (e.g., speech or vision problems)

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like MRI or CT scans and a biopsy to confirm the tumor type.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment depends on the type and grade of the tumor and may include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
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Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for astrocytoma patients varies widely depending on the tumor type, location, patient age, and overall health.

External Links[edit]

This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia