Neuro Pathology Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
glioblastoma multiforme
The most aggressive primary brain tumor (WHO Grade IV), characterized by rapid growth and poor prognosis.
dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor
A benign cortical tumor associated with intractable epilepsy, characterized by multinodular architecture and floating ne...
dysmyelination
Abnormal formation or structure of myelin sheaths due to genetic or metabolic disorders.
EGFR amplification
Increased copy number of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, commonly found in glioblastoma. Key molecular marker...
EMA staining
Immunohistochemical marker (epithelial membrane antigen) used to identify ependymal cells and certain brain tumors.
ependymal lining
Ciliated epithelial layer that lines the ventricular system and central canal. Loss or disruption indicates periventricu...
ependymal rosette
Characteristic histological pattern in ependymal tumors featuring cells arranged around a central lumen.
ependymoma
A glial tumor arising from ependymal cells lining the ventricular system and central canal of the spinal cord.
frozen section
Rapid intraoperative tissue preparation technique for immediate microscopic examination during surgery.
GFAP
Glial fibrillary acidic protein, an immunohistochemical marker specific for astrocytes and their tumors.
glioblastoma multiforme
The most aggressive primary brain tumor (WHO Grade IV), characterized by rapid growth and poor prognosis.
granulovacuolar degeneration
Cytoplasmic vacuolar pathology in neurons containing central granules, associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease.
H3K27M mutation
Histone mutation defining diffuse midline glioma, associated with poor prognosis and specific anatomical locations.
hemangioblastoma
A benign, highly vascularized tumor of the central nervous system, often associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Hirano body
Eosinophilic, rod-shaped cytoplasmic inclusion containing actin filaments, characteristically found in neurons of patien...
Homer Wright rosette
Circular arrangement of tumor cells around a central fibrillary space, characteristic of primitive neuroectodermal tumor...
IDH mutation
Genetic alteration in isocitrate dehydrogenase genes (IDH1/IDH2) that serves as a key diagnostic marker in brain tumor c...
immunohistochemistry
Laboratory technique using antibodies to detect specific proteins in tissue sections for diagnostic purposes.
intraoperative consultation
Real-time pathological assessment during surgery, typically using frozen sections. Critical for determining surgical mar...
intraoperative cytology
Real-time microscopic examination of cell preparations during neurosurgery. Provides rapid tissue diagnosis to guide sur...
isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type
Absence of IDH1 or IDH2 mutations in gliomas, associated with more aggressive behavior and worse prognosis.
Ki-67 index
Proliferation marker expressed as percentage of Ki-67 positive nuclei. Essential for tumor grading and prognosis in brai...
leptomeningeal dissemination
Spread of tumor cells throughout the subarachnoid space via cerebrospinal fluid circulation.
leptomeninges
The two innermost layers of the meninges (pia mater and arachnoid mater), commonly involved in inflammatory and neoplast...
Lewy body
Abnormal protein aggregates found in neurons, characteristic of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.