Astrocytoma

MEDICAL EDITOR

Prab R. Tumpati, MD — Editor-in-Chief, WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia
Internal medicine • Obesity medicine • Sleep medicine
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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 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

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

Pilocytic Astrocytoma

Microscopic view of Pilocytic Astrocytoma.

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

Diffuse Astrocytoma

MRI image of a Diffuse Astrocytoma.

A slow-growing tumor that infiltrates surrounding brain tissue.

Anaplastic Astrocytoma

Histology of Anaplastic Astrocytoma.

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

Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma

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

Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma

Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma.

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

Symptoms

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

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

Treatment

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

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Prognosis

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

External Links

• American Cancer Society - Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
• Mayo Clinic - Brain Tumor