An Overview of Glial Tumours

 Introduction

Tata Memorial Hospital Neuro-Oncology data 2006

Etiology

Classification

Clinical Features

Imaging

Immuno-cytochemistry

Staging & Grading

Natural History of Astrocytomas

Prognostication

Oligodendroglioma

Ependymoma

Prognosis

Supportive Treatment

 

Staging of Glial cell tumors-

There is no clinical classification for brain tumour used in day to day practice.

There is a proposed AJCC system based on ‘GTM classification’ (G, grade; T, tumor size; M, metastasis).

In GTM system following rules are followed -

T stage is divided into supra-tentorial and infra-tentorial.

Separated into five staging group;

1) Clinical- diagnostic

2) Surgical- evaluative

3) Post-Surgical – pathologic

4) Retreatment

5) Autopsy.

Grading is the most important prognostic tool. It is divided according to –

1) G1 is well differentiated.

2) G2 is moderately differentiated.

3) G3 is poorly differentiated.

4) G4 is features of pleomorphism and necrosis.

M stage is metastasis out side brain; rarely seen in medulloblastoma, germ cell tumor.

Grading of glial tumors :

As there is no effective staging system for brain tumours, the histology and grade of the disease are the most important factors that determine the prognosis and treatment decision.Grading of Astrocytoma:

Depends on -

§ Nuclear Atypia

§ Mitosis

§ Endothelial Proliferation

§ Necrosis

GRADE I – None of the features

-- Reserved for special variety,

( Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma)

GRADE II – Only 1 feature – Low Grade Glioma (LGG)

GRADE III – 2 features –Anaplastic Astrocytoma (AA)

GRADE IV – >=3 features – Glioblastoma Multiforme(GBM)

( Cushing & Bailey (1926), Kernohan(1949),

Rubinstein(1972)& the Classification propounded by WHO (1979) and revised in 1990 is widely accepted )

 

 

 

 

 

 


Brain Tumour Foundation Of India
189 B, 1 st Floor, Golden Jubilee Block, 

Tata Memorial Hospital, Ernest Borges Marg, Parel, Mumbai - 400 012, INDIA
Tel : 91-22-2417 7000, Ext : 4559. Fax : 022-2417 7159 / 2414 6937
Email : btf@braintumourindia.com