Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: report of two cases and review of the prognostic factors

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a superficially located, rare glial tumour first described in 1979. It affects young patients, who often present with seizures. The tumour has a relatively favourable prognosis, but 15–20% progress to malignancy. We describe two cases of PXA, both with benign f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical neuroscience 2004-02, Vol.11 (2), p.203-207
Main Authors: Tan, Tze-Ching, Ho, Luen-Cheung, Yu, Chung-Ping, Cheung, Fung-Ching
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Astrocytoma - pathology
Astrocytoma - physiopathology
Brain Neoplasms - pathology
Brain Neoplasms - physiopathology
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic - pathology
Child, Preschool
Female
glioma
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods
Male
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - pathology
pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma
Prognosis
prognostic factors
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Summary:Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a superficially located, rare glial tumour first described in 1979. It affects young patients, who often present with seizures. The tumour has a relatively favourable prognosis, but 15–20% progress to malignancy. We describe two cases of PXA, both with benign features at presentation, one of which underwent anaplastic transformation. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Factors influencing clinical outcome include extent of resection, and histological features such as mitotic index, necrosis and lymphocytic infiltration. The roles of radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain undefined. We advocate lifelong follow-up and establishment of a central registry in order to further the understanding of this infrequently encountered tumour.
ISSN:0967-5868
1532-2653
DOI:10.1016/j.jocn.2003.04.003