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Grade 1: In these tumors, astrocytic tumor cells are often normal in appearance but there are more of them than typically seen in microscopic examinations of brain tissue. The only symptom usually exhibited with Grade 1 astrocytomas is the onset epileptic seizures - due to the tumor's irritating presence to surrounding brain tissue. Since they are well tolerated by the brain, these astrocytic tumors can become quite large. However, a point is reached when the mass effect of the tumor and the mass of the brain combine within the non-yielding skull cavity, with a resultant rise in pressure inside the skull. This can cause headaches, paralysis, personality change, coma and death. The prognosis for Grade 1 astrocytomas is generally good, though surgery to reduce mass effect is sometimes required. Patients with Grade 1 astrocytomas have been known to live 30 years or more following diagnosis. Radiation therapy is probably not appropriate in these tumors.
Pilocytic astrocytomas: These benign astrocytomas tend to occur in children and young adults, and are histologically circumscribed. Despite the fact that many are located in the thalamus and other important subcortical locations, they can be completely resected by computer assisted stereotactic technique with excellent postoperative results. These lesions exhibit prominent enhancement on CT or on MR imaging with gadolinium. The histologic borders are usually defined accurately by the contrast enhancement.
Stem Cells Library , Diabetes Library
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Martha's Helping Angels projec
