title: Glioblastoma multiforme masquerading as a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma.
abstract: Since its first description by Kepes in 1979, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) has been considered a tumor with a benign course. Two cases are presented here that support the concept that PXA may be more accurately considered part of a spectrum of astrocytomas that occasionally may act aggressively. These cases represent astrocytomas with PXA components and are characterized by meningeal proximity, a high number of mitoses, and subsequently aggressive clinical behavior. The importance of recognizing the potential of a "benign" PXA to transform into a malignant entity has obvious implications for the therapeutic management of these tumors.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Gaskill
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Marlin
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Saldivar
mesh_terms: D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local