Pilomyxoid astrocytoma: diagnosis, prognosis, and management

Neurosurg Focus. 2005 Jun 15;18(6A):E7.

Abstract

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently defined pediatric brain tumor; PMAs were previously classified within the pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) category. Nevertheless, PMA has different histological features and has been shown to behave more aggressively than PA. These findings indicate that PMA may be a unique entity that is distinct from PA, or it may be an unusual variant. To increase awareness of PMA within the neurosurgical community, the authors review the diagnostic criteria, prognostic implications, and current management of this recently described pediatric low-grade astrocytoma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma / classification
  • Astrocytoma / diagnosis*
  • Astrocytoma / therapy*
  • Brain Neoplasms / classification
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Pediatrics
  • Prognosis