WHO grading of CNS tumors

Last revised by Frank Gaillard on 22 Oct 2021

WHO (World Health Organization) grading of CNS tumors depends on the specifics of each entity; see WHO classification of CNS tumors

Historically grading was based on histological characteristics such as cellularity, mitotic activity, pleomorphism, necrosis, and endothelial proliferation, however, over the past decade, molecular markers have become increasingly important both in terms of determining a specific diagnosis and grading.

For example, a diffuse adult-type glioma that is IDH wildtype and demonstrates TERT promoter mutation is considered a glioblastoma grade 4 regardless of histological features. 

Terminology

In the 5th edition (2021) of the WHO classification of CNS tumors, the traditional use of Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV) to denote grade has been replaced by Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4) 1

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