Diagnosis and management of astrocytomas occurring in the posterior fossa

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The posterior fossa is a common site of occurrence of astrocytic tumors in the pediatric population. The two distinct subgroups comprising these tumors are cerebellar astrocytomas and brainstem gliomas. The cerebellar astrocytoma commonly presents with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. These tumors are generally amenable to total surgical resection, and carry an excellent prognosis. Brainstem gliomas are a hetero¬geneous group of tumors of which the diffuse pontine glioma is the most common. These tumors are inevitably glioblastoma multiforme, and carry a dismal prognosis. In recent years, subgroups of brainstem tumors have been identified, which are more focal in nature, are of a more benign histology, and carry a better prognosis. These tumors may be amenable to surgical resection. © 1995 Lippincott-Raven Publishers, Philadelphia.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Fuchs, HE; McLone, DG

Published Date

  • January 1, 1995

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 5 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 168 - 178

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1534-4916

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1050-6438

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1097/00013414-199509000-00002

Citation Source

  • Scopus