Nelson et al graded the histologic features of an astrocytoma. The authors are from Washington University.
Parameters:
(1) cellular density
(2) cellular and/or nuclear pleomorphism (multifocal or diffuse)
(3) mitotic activity
(4) vascular prominence
(5) tumor necrosis (coagulation necrosis involving neoplastic astrocytes)
Cell Density
Pleo-morphism
Mitotic Activity
Vascular Prominent
Tumor Necrosis
Type
moderate
low; uniform
absent or very rare
absent
Astro-cytoma
moderate to high
increased
present
AAF
GBM
where:
• AAF = astrocytoma with atypical or anaplastic features
• GBM = glioblastoma multiforme
• The cells of an astrocytoma are uniform and resemble mature, resting or reactive astrocytes.
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Surgery, general, Neurology
