Diffuse astrocytoma NOS (gemistocytic)

Case contributed by Hani Makky Al Salam
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Headaches.

Patient Data

Age: Young adult

MRI brain

mri

A very large heterogenous mass occupies much of the frontal lobe on the left. It has areas of cyst formation with thin peripheral enhancement. On FLAIR the cystic areas demonstrate variable signal. 

Case Discussion

This case demonstrates fairly typical (pathologically-proven) features of a gemistocytic astrocytoma. Although they are considered WHO grade II tumors, they have a poorer prognosis than other grade II astrocytomas. 

Note: IDH mutation status is not provided in this case and according to the 2016 WHO classification of CNS tumors, this tumor would, therefore, be designated as a gemistocytic astrocytoma NOS.

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