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Washington University Experience | NEOPLASMS (GLIAL) | Astrocytoma, pilomyxoid | 5B Case 5 Additonal Comment
5B Comment: The morphologic and immunohistochemical features are consistent with the diagnosis of pilocytic astrocytoma with pilomyxoid features. Such cases of mixed histology showing features of both classic pilocytic astrocytoma and pilomyxoid astrocytoma have been described, although the clinical significance remains somewhat unclear. In cases of pure pilomyxoid astrocytoma, the behavior is known to be more aggressive. Over time, some of these cases come back with features resembling classic pilocytic astrocytoma a process known as "maturation". Whether or not the cases with mixed histologic features such as this one are associated with more aggressive behavior remains uncertain. However, close clinical follow-up is recommended in case this example does have a more aggressive biological potential.
