Rare Tumors (Apr 2013)

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma of the brainstem

  • Marco Antonio Zanini,
  • Ducati Gustavo Luis,
  • Roberto Colichio Gabarra,
  • Adriana Yuki Mello,
  • Ismael Augusto Lombardi,
  • Flavio Ramalho Romero,
  • Francisco Otavio Pereira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4081/rt.2013.e17
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 2
pp. e17 – e17

Abstract

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A pilomyxoid astrocytoma is a recently described tumor that occurs predominantly in the hypothalamic-chiasmatic region and is rarely found elsewhere. It has similar features as pilocytic astrocytomas, but has distinct histological characteristics and a poorer prognosis. A pilomyxoid astrocytoma is an aggressive tumor, and increased awareness is necessary with a suspect case. We present the first case of a pilomyxoid astrocytoma of the brainstem described after the newest World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors.

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