anaplastic astrocytoma


an·a·plas·tic as·tro·cy·to·ma

intermediate grade astrocytoma characterized by increased cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitoses.

anaplastic astrocytoma

A high-grade tumour of astrocytes in the CNS, histologically characterised by increased mitotic activity and increased cellularity, which may make it difficult to differentiate from grade-II astrocytoma.

anaplastic astrocytoma

A relatively aggressive and invasive brain tumor derived from supporting cells in the brain. It typically is diagnosed in people aged 30-50, in whom it often causes symptoms such as headache and seizures. Anaplastic astrocytomas are known as grade III astrocytomas under the WHO grading system. See also: astrocytoma