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Neuro Pathology Glossary

100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026

glioblastoma multiforme

Professional Technical IVT

The most aggressive primary brain tumor (WHO Grade IV), characterized by rapid growth and poor prognosis.

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1p/19q codeletion

Professional Technical IVT

Chromosomal abnormality involving loss of chromosome arms 1p and 19q, characteristic of oligodendrogliomas.

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alpha-synuclein

Professional Technical IVT

A protein that forms pathological aggregates in Parkinson's disease and related synucleinopathies.

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anaplastic focus

Intermediate Technical IVT

Discrete area within a lower-grade tumor showing high-grade features such as increased mitoses or necrosis.

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astrocytoma

Intermediate Technical IVT

A brain tumor arising from astrocytes, typically classified by grade (I-IV) in pathology reports.

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ATRX

Professional Technical IVT

Alpha-thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability protein, a tumor suppressor whose loss is diagnostically significant...

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axonal spheroid

Intermediate Technical IVT

Swollen, rounded axonal segment containing accumulated organelles, indicating axonal injury or degeneration.

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balloon cell

Intermediate Technical IVT

Large, dysplastic cell with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, characteristic of certain cortical malformations and some b...

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balloon neuron

Intermediate Technical IVT

Swollen neurons with pale, vacuolated cytoplasm characteristic of corticobasal degeneration and other neurodegenerative...

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calcospherite

Intermediate Technical IVT

Spherical calcified deposit found in brain tumors, particularly oligodendrogliomas and other CNS neoplasms.

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CDKN2A deletion

Professional Technical IVT

Loss of the CDKN2A tumor suppressor gene, used as a molecular marker for diagnosing diffuse astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, gra...

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central chromatolysis

Advanced Technical IVT

Dispersal of Nissl substance in neurons following axonal injury, indicating cell body response to damage.

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central neurocytoma

Advanced Technical IVT

A benign neuronal tumor typically located in the lateral ventricles with characteristic perinuclear halos and neuropil-l...

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cerebellar liponeurocytoma

Advanced Technical IVT

A rare cerebellar tumor combining features of neurocytoma and lipomatous differentiation, typically occurring in adults.

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cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Professional Technical IVT

Deposition of amyloid protein in the walls of brain blood vessels, associated with hemorrhagic stroke.

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choroid plexus papilloma

Intermediate Technical IVT

A benign intraventricular tumor arising from choroid plexus epithelium, characterized by papillary architecture.

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chromatin clumping

Intermediate Technical IVT

Nuclear change characterized by coarse aggregation of chromatin material. Often indicates cellular stress or early apopt...

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chromatin condensation

Intermediate Technical IVT

Pathological change in nuclear chromatin structure indicating cellular stress or death. Appears as dark, clumped nuclear...

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chromatolysis

Intermediate Technical IVT

Dissolution of Nissl substance in neuronal cell bodies, indicating cellular stress or axonal injury in neuropathological...

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circumscribed astrocytoma

Intermediate Technical IVT

Well-defined astrocytic tumor with distinct borders, contrasting with diffusely infiltrative astrocytomas.

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colloid cyst

Intermediate Technical IVT

A benign developmental cyst lined by ciliated epithelium, typically located in the third ventricle at the foramen of Mon...

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Congo red

Intermediate Technical IVT

Histochemical stain used to identify amyloid deposits. Shows characteristic apple-green birefringence under polarized li...

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cortical dysplasia

Intermediate Technical IVT

Developmental malformation of cerebral cortex characterized by abnormal neuronal organization and architecture.

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craniopharyngioma

Intermediate Technical IVT

A benign epithelial tumor arising from remnants of Rathke's pouch, typically located in the sellar/suprasellar region.

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diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma

Intermediate Technical IVT

Aggressive brainstem tumor primarily affecting children, characterized by infiltrative growth within the pons.

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