Are astrocytomas benign or malignant?

Are astrocytomas benign or malignant?

The tumor cells of astrocytomas mix and coexist with normal brain tissue. While often referred to as “benign” tumors, they are more accurately considered low-grade malignancies because they have the potential to, and usually do, recur or turn into high-grade malignancies over time.

Is astrocytoma malignant?

Grades I or II astrocytomas are nonmalignant and may be referred to as low-grade. Grades III and IV astrocytomas are malignant and may be referred to as high-grade astrocytomas. Anaplastic astrocytomas are grade III astrocytomas.

What type of tumor is an astrocytoma?

Astrocytoma is a type of cancer that can form in the brain or spinal cord. Astrocytoma begins in cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells. Astrocytoma signs and symptoms depend on the location of your tumor. Astrocytomas that occur in the brain can cause seizures, headaches and nausea.

Do astrocytomas metastasize?

High grade astrocytomas such as anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme are aggressive central nervous system malignancies with a poor prognosis. Due to shortened survival times, their devastating effects are usually localized intracranially and rarely metastasize outside of the central nervous system.

Is grade 2 astrocytoma benign or malignant?

Astrocytomas are named after astrocytes, the star-shaped cells from which they grow. grade II gliomas are done a great disservice by being told that their tumors are benign. Patients with grade II gliomas require serial monitoring by MRI or CT scan for surveillance of tumor recurrence every 6-12 months.

How common is an astrocytoma?

Grade III astrocytoma occurs most often in adults between the ages of 30 and 60, is more common in men and accounts for 4% of all brain tumors. Grade IV astrocytoma occurs most often in adults between the ages of 50 and 80, is more common in men and accounts for 23% of all primary brain tumors.

What are the different types of astrocytoma?

There are several types of astrocytoma:

• Anaplastic astrocytomas are rare.
• Glioblastomas are also called grade IV astrocytomas.
• Diffuse astrocytomas can grow into nearby tissue, but they grow slowly.
• Pineal astrocytic tumors can be any grade.
• Brain stem gliomas are rare in adults.

Are astrocytomas curable?

Anaplastic astrocytomas are usually not curable, but are treatable. We do our best to control the tumor and keep it from growing and causing more symptoms using many different tools including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Unfortunately these tumors tend to continue to grow and become more aggressive.

Can a grade 2 astrocytoma be cured?

Grade II astrocytoma: Treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor. Surgery may be used to remove accessible tumors. As with all infiltrating astrocytomas (grades II-IV) it cannot be completely removed with surgery because the tentacle-like projections of the tumor grow into the surrounding tissue.