Professional
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
astrocytoma
Pronunciation: as-tro-sy-TOH-mah
A type of brain tumor arising from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes.
Full Definition
Astrocytomas are primary brain tumors that develop from astrocytes, the star-shaped supportive cells in the brain and spinal cord. They are classified into four grades (I-IV) based on their aggressiveness, with Grade IV astrocytomas being the most malignant form. These tumors can occur anywhere in the central nervous system but are most common in the cerebral hemispheres in adults and the brainstem and cerebellum in children. Treatment typically involves surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy depending on the grade and location.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the grade when referring to astrocytomas in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The patient was diagnosed with a Grade II astrocytoma in the left frontal lobe." — Medical report
- "Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of an anaplastic astrocytoma." — Pathology report
Also known as
astrocytic tumor
astrocytic glioma
Don't confuse with
glioblastoma
oligodendroglioma
ependymoma