Neuro-Oncology Flashcards
What are the three sub-types of astrocytomas?
- Pilocytic
- Anaplastic
- Glioblastoma Multiforme
What is the most common primary brain tumor in adults?
Astrocytoma
What demographic is most affected by pilocytic astrocytomas?
Children and young adults
What is the usual location of a pilocytic astrocytoma?
Around the ventricles and in the cerebellum
What histology is characteristic of pilocytic astrocytomas?
Rosenthal fibers
What is the demographic most affected by Glioblastoma Multiforme?
50s-70s
What are key histological features of glioblastoma multiforme?
Pseudopalisading cells with central necrosis
What is a common presentation of glioblastoma multiforme?
Seizures and focal neurological defect
What is the demographic most affected by oligodendrogliomas?
40s-50s
What is the location of oligodendrogliomas?
Supra-Tentorial
What is the common presentation of an oligodenroglioma?
Seizures (supra-tectorial location)
What is the prognosis of an oligodendroglioma?
Fair. 5-10 year survival and often able to resect/ chemo/ rads.
What is the histological appearance of an oligodendroglioma?
Fried-egg appearance of the cells
What gene deletions are assessed for with oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas?
- Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation and the 1p/19q co-deletion.
What is the significance of the IDH deletion?
Yields better outcome than wild-type tumors.
What is the significance of the 1p/19-q co-deletion?
Significant protective effect on the prognosis of oligodendrogliomas.
What is the demographic most affected by ependymomas?
Children and young adults
What is the location of ependymomas?
Infra- or supra- tentorial and also in the spinal cord. Common around the fourth ventricle.
What is the histology of ependymomas?
Perivascular pseudorosettes
What is the most common spinal cord glioma?
Epemdymoma
What is a common presentation of an ependymoma?
Headache worse in the morning due to hydrocephalus from the tumor on the fourth ventricle.
What is a common histology of the primitive neuroectodermal tumors?
Small round blue cell tumors.
What is the demographic most affected by medulloblastoma?
Children
What is the location of medulloblastoma?
Cerebellum (mid-line cerebellum and spinal cord)
