Pathology of CNS Neoplasms Flashcards
What neoplasm is said to have “motor oil-like” cysts and a “wet keratin” histologic appearance?
Craniopharyngiomas
What is the histologic appearance of an oligodendroglioma?
Cleared cytoplasm forming “halos” with thin capillaries resembling “chicken wire”
What neoplasm has a whorld pattern on histological testing?
Meningioma
Elongated cytoplasmic process “hair cells” and Rosenthal fibers are histological findings associated with what CNS neoplasms?
Pilocytic astrocytoma
What is the most common CNS tumor?
Meningioma
von Hippel-Lindau disease is associated with a mutation of what gene?
VHL gene
What clinical findings may be seen with a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma?
Growth within the lateral ventricles that may cause hydrocephalus
Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial tumors (DNET) are rich in what protein?
Muchin
The BRAF gene is associated with what neoplasm that arises in the temporal lobe?
Ganglioglioma
Meningiomas are more common in women. Why is this?
The tumor expresses a variety of hormone receptors, such as progesterone, which are higher in women
Early puberty in children may be associated with the presence of what neoplasm?
Pineal gland tumor
True/False. Meningiomas compress, but do not invade the brain.
True - they are often attached to the dura with symptoms dependent upon the area of the brain impacted
Meningiomas may occur due to several different etiologies. What are possible etiologies?
Mutation of NF2, Neurofibromatosis Type 2, Radiation complications
Astrocytomas are a type of neuroepithelial tumor that occur after the first decade. What cells do they arise from?
Astrocytes (glial cell precursors)
What is the WHO grade of a medulloblastoma?
Grade IV
What is the most common neoplasm in immunosuppressed persons?
Primary CNS Lymphoma
These tumors secrete melatonin.
Pineal gland tumors
What is the histologic appearance of an ependymoma?
True and pseudo rosettes
What tumor is associated with Homer Wright rosettes and “small round blue cells?”
Medulloblastoma
Where do most ependymomas occur?
Spinal cord
Choroid plexus tumors often cause hydrocephalus. How does their presentation differ in children and adults?
In children, they occur in the lateral ventricles. In adults, they occur in the fourth ventricle
Hemangiomas are highly vascular tumors often found in the cerebellum. What disease is associated with increased risk of hemangiomas?
von Hippel-Linadu disease
Choroid plexus tumors primarily occur in children. What is the WHO grade?
Grade III
Metastatic tumors of the CNS most often originate where in the body?
Breast or Lungs
What rare neoplasm is Grade I and is associated with epilepsy?
Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)
Where do most adult CNS neoplasms occur?
Cerebral hemispheres above the tentorium
What are the most common CNS neoplasms in adults?
Meningiomas & Gliomas
Where do most pediatric CNS neoplasms occur?
In the posterior fossa
Ependymomas are associated with what gene?
NF2 on Chromosome 22
What type of neoplasm is described as having a “butterfly” shape with pseudopalisading necrosis?
Glioblastoma
A polyploid or cauliflower-like papillary lesion is likely due to what neoplasm?
Choroid plexus tumor
True/False. Most CNS cysts are asymptomatic.
True. They are often found incidentally
What is the most common embryonal tumor?
Medulloblastoma, located in the cerebellum
This type of neoplasm is associated with Tuberous Sclerosis in children.
Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA)
Epstein-Barr virus is associated with what neoplasm?
Primary CNS Lymphoma
What biomarker is most associated with Primary CNS Lymphomas?
CD20 (B-cell marker)
This neoplasm is associated with mutations of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes on chromosomes 1 & 19.
Oligodendroglioma
What is the etiology of craniopharyngiomas?
Arise from remnants of Rathke’s pouch
