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Low-Grade (Usually I) Astrocytomas.
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Pilocytic gliomas.
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Pilocytic gliomas occur mostly in children. Tumors are well differentiated. Cells are relatively normal and rarely metastasize. They grow relatively slowly.
Pilocytic astrocytomas have the highest 5-year survival rates (greater than 70%). However, even well differentiated astrocytomas are life threatening if they are inaccessible.
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Cancer may sometimes be completely removed through surgery, particularly if it occurs in the cerebellum.
For recurrence or residual tumors, reoperation, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy may be given, depending on the circumstances. Repeat surgery for cerebellar astrocytoma is often very successful. For those who fail radiotherapy and chemotherapy, investigative drugs are used.
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Low-Grade (II) Astrocytomas.
Fibrillary, protoplasmic, and protoplasmic astrocytomas. Some pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas.
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Tumors are well differentiated. Cells are relatively normal and less malignant than those in higher grades. They grow relatively slowly but can spread. Survival rates average five years but people can survive for a decade or more.
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas have a relatively favorable prognosis, but can recur and demonstrate aggressive clinical behavior.
Low-grade astrocytomas generally occur in young adulthood, with a peak incidence in 30s and 40s.
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