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Pilocytic astrocytoma
	Classification and external resources
	; Stereotactic MRI brain showed recurrent postoperative brain stem cystic pilocytic astrocytoma.
ICD-10	C71.
ICD-9	191
ICD-O:	M9421/1
eMedicine	radio/367
MeSH	D001254

Pilocytic astrocytoma, juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, or cystic cerebellar astrocytoma is a brain tumor that occurs predominantly in children and involves the midline, basal, and posterior fossa structures. It is, in general, 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 tumour by current imaging investigations (e.g., CT scan, MRI)

Under the microscope, the tumor is seen to be composed of bipolar cells with long "hairlike" GFAP-positive processes. Rosenthal fibers,^[1] eosinophilic granular bodies, and microcysts are often present.

It is classified as Grade 1 Astrocytoma.^[2]

[edit] References

^ Wippold FJ, Perry A, Lennerz J (May 2006). "Neuropathology for the neuroradiologist: Rosenthal fibers". AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 27 (5): 958–61. PMID 16687524. http://www.ajnr.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=16687524.
^ Huang H, Hara A, Homma T, Yonekawa Y, Ohgaki H (October 2005). "Altered expression of immune defense genes in pilocytic astrocytomas". J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol. 64 (10): 891–901. PMID 16215461. http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0022-3069&volume=64&issue=10&spage=891.

[edit] Additional images

Histopathology of pilocytic astrocytoma (grade I WHO). H&E stain. Original magnification 200x.

Histopathology of Rosenthal-fibres. H&E staining showing these elongated eosinophilic structures in a case of pilocytic astrocytoma. Magnification 400x

[edit] External links

Pilocytic Astrocytoma MedPix Medical Image Database
UC
fightJPA - An Organization Dedicated to Funding Research into Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma

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[pmid16687524-0] Wippold FJ, Perry A, Lennerz J (May 2006). "Neuropathology for the neuroradiologist: Rosenthal fibers". AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 27 (5): 958–61. PMID 16687524. http://www.ajnr.org/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=16687524.

[pmid16215461-1] Huang H, Hara A, Homma T, Yonekawa Y, Ohgaki H (October 2005). "Altered expression of immune defense genes in pilocytic astrocytomas". J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol. 64 (10): 891–901. PMID 16215461. http://meta.wkhealth.com/pt/pt-core/template-journal/lwwgateway/media/landingpage.htm?issn=0022-3069&volume=64&issue=10&spage=891.

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