How Do You Grade Astrocytomas

Astrocytomas

Astrocytomas are tumors originating from astrocytes. The WHO grading system for astrocytomas ranges from grade 1 (most benign) to grade 4 (most malignant). The grading of astrocytomas is based on analyzing tumor cells under a microscope. It is based on: How abnormal the cells look (atypia), mitosis, and vascular proliferation (Louis et al., 2021).

Grade 1 includes Pilocytic Astrocytoma, Pleomorphic Xantoastrocytoma, and Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA). Pilocytic Astrocytoma is a well-circumscribed tumor and develops slowly. It does not invade the surrounding brain, and when resected completely, it is regarded as cured and does not require chemotherapy or radiotherapy (Louis et al., 2021). Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma mostly originates in the temporal lobes. Its cells can have multiple shapes but do not exhibit evidence of proliferation. SEGA is common in the younger population and is usually in relation to a familiar syndrome called tuberous sclerosis (Torp et al., 2022). It typically grows inside the ventricles, which are fluid-filled spaces deep into the brain and can block the normal outflow of this fluid, causing hydrocephalus.

Grade 2 is diffuse Astrocytoma, an invasive tumor with no clear separation from the surrounding brain.

The tissue appearance moderately differs from a normal brain, but cells appear abnormal under the microscope and slightly increase in number. Grade 3 is anaplastic Astrocytoma. It is a more malignant evolution of a previously lower-grade astrocytoma, which has acquired more aggressive features, including a higher pace of growth and more invasion into the brain (Torp et al., 2022). Histologically, it exhibits higher cellular abnormalities and evidence of mitoses compared to grade 2 tumors. Grade 4 is Glioblastoma (GBM), the most malignant, aggressive, and common form of astrocytoma. It is characterized by abnormal-appearing cells, proliferation, areas of dead tissue, and the formation of new vessels.

References

Louis, D. N., Perry, A., Wesseling, P., Brat, D. J., Cree, I. A., Figarella-Branger, D., … & Ellison, D. W. (2021). The 2021 WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system: a summary. Neuro-oncology, 23(8), 1231-1251.https://doi.org/10.1093/neuonc/noab106

Torp, S. H., Solheim, O., & Skjulsvik, A. J. (2022). The WHO 2021 Classification of Central Nervous System tumours: a practical update on what neurosurgeons need to know-a minireview. Acta neurochirurgica, 164(9), 2453–2464. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-022-05301-y

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Important information for writing discussion questions and participation

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Your initial discussion post should be a minimum of 200 words and response posts should be a minimum of 150 words. Be advised that I grade based on quality and not necessarily the number of words you post. A minimum of TWO references should be used for your initial post. For your response post, you do not need references as personal experiences would count as response posts. If you however cite anything from the literature for your response post, it is required that you cite your reference. You should include a minimum of THREE references for papers in this course. Please note that references should be no more than 5 years old except recommended as a resource for the class. Furthermore, for each discussion board question, you need ONE initial substantive response and TWO substantive responses to either your classmates or your instructor for a total of THREE responses. There are TWO discussion questions each week, hence, you need a total minimum of SIX discussion posts for each week. I usually post a discussion question each week. You could also respond to these as it would count towards your required SIX discussion posts for the week.

I understand this is a lot of information to cover in 5 weeks, however, the Bible says in Philippians 4:13 that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us. Even in times like this, we are encouraged by God’s word that we have that ability in us to succeed with His strength. I pray that each and every one of you receives strength for this course and life generally as we navigate through this pandemic that is shaking our world today. Relax and enjoy the course!

Hi Class,

Please read through the following information on writing a Discussion question response and participation posts.

Contact me if you have any questions.

Important information on Writing a Discussion Question

Your response needs to be a minimum of 150 words (not including your list of references)
There needs to be at least TWO references with ONE being a peer reviewed professional journal article.
Include in-text citations in your response
Do not include quotes—instead summarize and paraphrase the information
Follow APA-7th edition
Points will be deducted if the above is not followed

Participation –replies to your classmates or instructor

A minimum of 6 responses per week, on at least 3 days of the week.
Each response needs at least ONE reference with citations—best if it is a peer reviewed journal article
Each response needs to be at least 75 words in length (does not include your list of references)
Responses need to be substantive by bringing information to the discussion or further enhance the discussion. Responses of “I agree” or “great post” does not count for the word count.
Follow APA 7th edition
Points will be deducted if the above is not followed
Remember to use and follow APA-7th edition for all weekly assignments, discussion questions, and participation points.
Here are some helpful links
Student paper example
Citing Sources
The Writing Center is a great resource