Pilocytic astrocytoma
Encyclopedia : P : PI : PIL : Pilocytic astrocytoma
Pilocytic astrocytoma is a brain tumor that occurs predominantly in children and involves the midline, basal and posterior fossa structures. It is generally 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)
Microscopically, the tumor is composed of bipolar cells with long "hairlike" GFAP-positive processes. Rosenthal fibers, eosinophilic granular bodies and microcystes are often present.
It is classified as Grade 1 Astrocytoma.
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