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 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.
Tan
Tze-Ching
TC
Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30 Gascoigne Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. tzechingtan@hotmail.com
Ho
Luen-Cheung
LC
Yu
Chung-Ping
CP
Cheung
Fung-Ching
FC
D000328:Adult; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis