Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma of the cerebellum: illustrated review

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2004 Nov;146(11):1241-4. doi: 10.1007/s00701-004-0366-5. Epub 2004 Sep 30.

Abstract

Although rarely, the usually benign, supratentorial, grade II astrocytic tumour pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) may arise from the cerebellum. A review of the published cases of these PXAs is made including the author's own case of a 40 years-old man with a right cerebellopontine angle tumour, which recurred after a gross total resection. The major clinical and histopathological features of cerebellar PXAs are discussed, and factors playing a role in their biological behaviour, like post-surgical medical treatment, genetics and extent of leptomeningeal seeding are stressed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Astrocytoma / complications
  • Astrocytoma / pathology*
  • Astrocytoma / surgery
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / complications
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male