Astrocytoma III

Anaplastic Astrocytoma

Anaplastic astrocytoma are classified as malignant glioma. With high propability they are a progression from an astrocytoma grade II, but they can also be newly diagnosed.

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Histology of Anaplastoc Astrocytoma

• fast growing, diffusely infiltrating tumour (WHO III)

Epidemology of Anaplastic Astrocytoma

• peak age between 40 and 60
• also in childhood (frequently as ponsglioma)
• twice as often in men

Symptoms of Anaplastic Astrocytoma

• similar to tumours with WHO-grade II
• epileptic seizures
• signs of intracranial pressure (headache, nausea and emesis, fatigue
• psychological disorders (changes in personality)
• neurological deficits (sensory disturbances, paralysis, speech disorders)

Diagnosing Diffuse Astrocytoma

• MRI, CT and biopsy
• heterogenous contrast-enhancement (especially in tumour margin)
• tend to edema formation
• frequently margins to normal tissue are not identifiable
• nfiltrated tissue seems swollen
• main localisation: cerebrum (frontal- and temporal lobe, basal ganglia)

Therapy of Anaplastic Astrocytoma

• complete as possible surgical removal
• in inoperable tumours: biopsy for diagnosis backup
• radiotherapy on tumour volume and safety margin of 2 cm
• chemotherapy

Therapy in Recurrent Anaplastic Astrocytoma

• re-operation
• second irradiation
• chemotherapy, possibly with different chemotherapeutic agent
• experimental treatments

Aftercare of Anaplastic Astrocytoma

• first imaging 6 weeks after therapy
• subsequently MRI every three months

Course of Anaplastic Astrocytoma

• not rarely they transform to higher-grade tumour (glioblastoma)

Prognosis of Anaplastic Astrocytoma

• despite treatment worse prognosis

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