Astrocytomas and Gliomas

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Questions and Answers

A biopsy from a brain tumor reveals the presence of Rosenthal fibers. In which type of astrocytoma are Rosenthal fibers typically found?

  • Glioblastoma Multiforme
  • Diffuse Astrocytoma
  • Pilocytic Astrocytoma (correct)
  • Anaplastic Astrocytoma

What primary characteristic distinguishes a Grade IV astrocytoma from lower-grade astrocytomas according to the WHO grading system?

  • Endothelial proliferation
  • Significant mitotic activity
  • Presence of atypia
  • Necrosis (correct)

The presence of 'fried egg' cells and 'chicken wire' vasculature are histological hallmarks of which type of brain tumor?

  • Pilocytic Astrocytoma
  • Ependymoma
  • Glioblastoma Multiforme
  • Oligodendroglioma (correct)

A 10-year-old patient is diagnosed with a well-circumscribed cystic tumor in the cerebellum. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

<p>Pilocytic Astrocytoma (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following genetic alterations is associated with a better response to chemotherapy in the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme?

<p>MGMT methylation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A 65-year-old patient presents with a brain tumor that crosses the corpus callosum, forming a 'butterfly' lesion. Which type of tumor is most likely?

<p>Glioblastoma Multiforme (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Perivascular pseudorosettes are a characteristic histological finding in which type of brain tumor?

<p>Ependymoma (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the WHO grading system for astrocytomas, how many of the defined criteria (Atypia, Mitosis, Endothelial Proliferation, and Necrosis) must be present for a tumor to be classified as an Anaplastic Astrocytoma (Grade III)?

<p>Two (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is generally considered the first-line management strategy for most brain tumors?

<p>Surgery (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging modality is considered the most effective for diagnosing brain tumors?

<p>MRI (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A young child (< 20 years old) is diagnosed with a brain tumor located in the 4th ventricle. What type of tumor is most likely?

<p>Ependymoma (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with metastatic cancer develops brain metastases. Besides treating the primary cancer site, what additional treatment is indicated for the brain metastases?

<p>Palliative brain radiotherapy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the presence of an IDH-1 mutation in a patient diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)?

<p>Better prognosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient's brain biopsy shows cells that are GFAP+. Which type of tumor is most likely?

<p>Astrocytoma (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is recommended for a patient diagnosed with Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)?

<p>Surgery followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected outcome for patients with brain tumors that relapse after initial treatment?

<p>Poor prognosis with limited chemo effect (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is characteristic of Pilocytic Astrocytoma EXCEPT:

<p>Occurrence predominantly in adults (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A pathologist examines a brain tumor sample and notes a high degree of cellular atypia, significant mitotic activity, endothelial proliferation, and areas of necrosis. According to the WHO grading system, what grade should be assigned to this astrocytoma?

<p>Grade IV (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A 45-year-old patient is diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma. Where is the tumor most likely located?

<p>Cerebral Cortex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Grade of Astrocytoma has the following criteria: Atypia, Mitosis, Endothelial Prolif, and Necrosis?

<p>Grade IV (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

WHO Grading of Astrocytomas

A grading system for astrocytomas based on atypia, mitosis, endothelial proliferation, and necrosis presence.

Pilocytic Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma typically found in children, located in the cerebellum, well-circumscribed, often cystic with Rosenthal fibers and GFAP+ inclusions.

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

Astrocytoma typically found in adults, in the cerebral hemispheres, crosses the corpus callosum. Characterized by pseudopalisading necrosis, mitotic activity, endothelial proliferation, and GFAP+.

Oligodendroglioma

Brain tumor that can occur at any age, typically found in the cerebral cortex. Microscopically it shows fried egg cells, chicken wire vessels, and calcifications.

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Ependymoma

Brain tumor typically found in individuals < 20 years old, usually located in the 4th ventricle. Shows perivascular pseudorosettes, true rosettes, and blepharoplasts microscopically.

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Management – Brain Tumors

First line treatment involves resection/debulking. Grade IV GBMs get radiotherapy + temozolomide. MRI best for diagnosis. MGMT methylation is linked to better chemo response is, IDH-1 mutation to better survival. Metastatic cases get primary site treatment + palliative brain RT. Relapse = poor prognosis.

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Study Notes

  • Astrocytomas are graded by the WHO based on four criteria: atypia, mitosis, endothelial proliferation, and necrosis.
  • Grade I astrocytomas are pilocytic and meet none of the four criteria.
  • Grade II astrocytomas are diffuse and meet any one of the criteria.
  • Grade III astrocytomas are anaplastic and meet any two of the criteria.
  • Grade IV astrocytomas are glioblastoma multiforme and must meet all four criteria with necrosis being essential.

Pilocytic Astrocytoma

  • Typically found in children
  • Located in the cerebellum
  • Well-circumscribed and cystic in appearance
  • Microscopic features include Rosenthal fibers and GFAP+ pink inclusion bodies

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

  • Typically affects adults
  • Located in the cerebral hemispheres, often temporal-frontal, and may cross the corpus callosum, creating a butterfly shape
  • Microscopic features include pseudopalisading necrosis, mitotic activity, endothelial proliferation, and GFAP+

Oligodendroglioma

  • Can occur at any age
  • Located in the cerebral cortex within the white matter
  • Appears as a gelatinous mass
  • Microscopic features include fried egg cells, chicken wire vessels, and calcifications

Ependymoma

  • Typically affects individuals younger than 20 years
  • Located in the 4th ventricle
  • Well-demarcated in appearance
  • Microscopic features include perivascular pseudorosettes, true rosettes, and blepharoplasts

Brain Tumor Management

  • Surgery is the first-line treatment, involving resection or debulking.
  • Grade IV GBM is treated with radiotherapy and temozolomide.
  • MRI is the best diagnostic tool.
  • MGMT methylation indicates a better response to chemotherapy.
  • IDH-1 mutation indicates better survival outcomes.
  • Metastatic tumors are treated by addressing the primary site and using palliative brain RT.
  • Relapse indicates a poor prognosis with limited chemo effect.

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