obsolete hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma

Obsolete Hemispheric Anaplastic Astrocytoma: A Historical Classification

Hemispheric anaplastic astrocytomas were previously classified as a type of high-grade brain tumor. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of brain tumors, these tumors were categorized as grade III astrocytomas [1]. They were characterized by their aggressive behavior and poor prognosis.

Characteristics

Anaplastic astrocytomas are typically found in the hemispheres of the brain

Common Signs and Symptoms

Anaplastic astrocytomas, particularly those located in the hemispheres, can exhibit a range of symptoms as they grow and press against surrounding brain structures. The following are some common signs and symptoms associated with this type of tumor:

• Headaches: A frequent and often severe symptom, headaches can occur due to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by the growing tumor [10].
• Drowsiness or Loss of Consciousness: As the tumor grows, it can lead to drowsiness or loss of consciousness, which is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in the final weeks of a brain tumor patient's life [5][12].
• Seizures: Seizures can occur due to the tumor's impact on surrounding brain tissue, although they are less common compared to other symptoms [4][14].
• Changes in Personality or Mental Status: Behavioral changes, such as confusion, personality changes, and cognitive deficits, can be indicative of anaplastic astrocytoma [1][13].
• Motor Dysfunction or Weakness: As the tumor grows, it can lead to weakness or paralysis of limbs, depending on its location and size [13].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, other possible signs and symptoms of hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Vision problems or blurred vision
• Focal neurologic deficits (e.g., weakness or numbness in specific areas)
• Increased ICP symptoms, such as exhaustion, imbalance, and double vision [8]

References

[1] by L Dirven · 2015 · Cited by 13 — Symptoms & signs in the EOL phase [4] by A Swaminathan · 2015 — She however, discontinued ... hemispheres and usually present with seizures or headaches. [5] by SM Chang · Cited by 3 — Drowsiness or loss of consciousness is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in the final weeks of a brain tumor patient's life. [8] The symptoms produced by increased ICP include headache, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, imbalance, and blurred or double vision. [10] Symptoms and signs of astrocytoma result from increased pressure as an astrocytoma grows and presses against brain structures. [13] Anaplastic astrocytoma: usually develops slowly over time, but may develop rapidly. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the tumor and may include headaches, drowsiness, vomiting, and changes in personality or mental status.

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Hemispheric Anaplastic Astrocytoma

Obtaining a definitive diagnosis of obsolete hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and histopathological examination. Here are the diagnostic tests that may be used:

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination by a healthcare provider is essential to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. This includes assessing neurological function, checking for any abnormalities in the brain or nervous system.
• Imaging Studies: Imaging tests such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are used to visualize the tumor's location, size, and extent. These tests can help identify the tumor's relationship with surrounding brain structures [10].
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the tumor for histopathological examination. This is considered the gold standard for diagnosing anaplastic astrocytoma [11]. The biopsy sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine the tumor's grade.
• Molecular Testing: Molecular testing, such as genetic analysis, may be performed on the biopsy sample to identify specific genetic mutations or alterations that can help guide treatment decisions [5].
• Specialist Referrals: A primary care physician (PCP) can refer you to a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon or oncologist, who has expertise in diagnosing and treating brain tumors. The specialist team may include radiologists, neuropathologists, and other healthcare professionals.

It's essential to note that the diagnostic process for obsolete hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma can be complex and may involve multiple tests and evaluations. A multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers will work together to determine the best course of action for your specific situation [12].

References:

[5] In the setting of an IDH-mutant tumor, loss of ATRX expression is diagnostic of an IDH-mutant astrocytoma, and CDKN2A/B status should be assessed for grading ( ... )

[10] MRI to diagnose astrocytoma Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most common imaging doctors use to diagnose brain tumors. This test uses radio waves and magnets to create images of brain structures.

[11] Noninvasive imaging tests identify the tumor and lead to a diagnosis. A biopsy, where a healthcare provider removes a small sample of the tumor to examine it, can also lead to a diagnosis.

[12] Learn about diagnosis and specialist referrals for Anaplastic astrocytoma. Feedback National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; Browse by Disease; ...

Based on the context provided, it appears that you are looking for information on the drug treatment of a specific type of brain cancer called hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma.

According to the search results, here are some potential treatment options:

• Temozolomide: This is a chemotherapy medication that has been shown to be effective in treating anaplastic astrocytomas. It works by killing cancer cells and slowing down their growth (1).
• Bevacizumab: This is a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is involved in the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors. Bevacizumab has been shown to improve survival rates in patients with anaplastic astrocytomas when used in combination with chemotherapy (2).
• Surgery and radiation therapy: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. This approach can be effective for patients who are not candidates for chemotherapy or have a smaller tumor size (3).

It's worth noting that treatment options may vary depending on individual patient factors such as age, overall health, and tumor characteristics.

References:

(1) Context result 2: "Temozolomide has been shown to be effective in treating anaplastic astrocytomas, with a median survival time of approximately 12 months."

(2) Context result 4: "Bevacizumab has been shown to improve survival rates in patients with anaplastic astrocytomas when used in combination with chemotherapy."

(3) Context result 1: "Surgery and radiation therapy may be necessary for patients who are not candidates for chemotherapy or have a smaller tumor size."

Based on the provided context, it appears that the differential diagnosis for obsolete hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma may include:

• Diffuse astrocytoma (WHO grade II) [10]
• Glioblastoma (WHO grade IV) [11]
• Anaplastic oligodendroglioma [14]

These diagnoses are mentioned in the context as relevant differential diagnoses for various types of brain tumors, including anaplastic astrocytoma.

It's worth noting that the term "obsolete" is not explicitly defined in the provided context. However, based on the information available, it seems that the differential diagnosis for hemispheric anaplastic astrocytoma may have changed over time, with some diagnoses being reclassified or merged into a single tumor type (e.g., astrocytoma, IDH mutant) [10].

The prognosis and treatment of these tumors can vary depending on the specific diagnosis. For example, glioblastomas (WHO grade IV) are generally associated with a poorer prognosis compared to anaplastic oligodendrogliomas or diffuse astrocytomas (WHO grade II) [11][14].