Histopathological study of neuroepithelial tumors of central nervous system

Abstract

Central nervous system tumours have diverse histomorphological appearances. Accurate characterization of space-occupying lesions by histology is important for appropriate treatment. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the histomorphological patterns of the neuroepithelial tumors of central nervous system in order to provide accurate pre-therapeutic neuro-anatomic data and to facilitate better therapeutic results after surgery.To study the spectrum of neuroepithelial tumors presenting as space occupying lesions in the central nervous system.This was a prospective study carried out in the department of Pathology at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences over a two year period. Histopathological study of tissue specimens from neuroepithelial tumors from CNS was done. The tissue specimens were analysed for type of tumour, tumour grade and their distribution according to age, gender and topographic location. A total of 231 neoplastic space occupying lesions were studied of which neuro-epithelial tumours comprised 96 (41.5%) cases. The patient age for neruepithelial tumors ranged from 2 years to 78 years and the male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Astrocytomas were the most frequent (75%), followed by oligodendrogliomas (8.3%), oligoastrocytomas and ependymal tumours. Astrocytoma, grade IV was most common and affected the fifth decade more commonly. Astrocytomas commonly affect the frontal, temporal and parietal regions. Histopathological examination is mandatory for all space occupying lesions of CNS for correct categorization and grading of tumors. Astrocytomas are the most common of all neuroepithelial tumors. Grade IV astrocytomas most commonly affect men in fifth decade.