FIBRILLARY ASTROCYTOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Fibrillary astrocytoma is a type of brain tumor that arises from astrocytes, which are star-shaped cells that make up the supportive tissue in the central nervous system. This tumor is classified as a glioma, which means it originates from glial cells, the non-neuronal cells of the brain. Fibrillary astrocytomas are typically classified as low-grade tumors, meaning they are slow-growing and less aggressive than high-grade tumors.
The defining characteristic of a fibrillary astrocytoma is the presence of long and threadlike extensions, known as fibrils, within the tumor cells. These fibrils give the tumor a diffuse appearance and make it more infiltrative into surrounding brain tissue. Fibrillary astrocytomas can occur at any age, but they are more commonly diagnosed in adults.
Symptoms of fibrillary astrocytoma vary depending on the location and size of the tumor, but they often include headaches, seizures, memory problems, changes in mood or behavior, and neurological deficits such as weakness or sensory changes. Diagnosis usually involves magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, where the tumor can be visualized and its characteristics assessed.
Treatment for fibrillary astrocytoma typically involves a combination of surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The extent of surgical intervention depends on the location and accessibility of the tumor. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are usually employed to target any remaining tumor cells and prevent recurrence. Patients with fibrillary astrocytoma usually require regular follow-up visits and imaging scans to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust treatment accordingly. Prognosis varies depending on the grade and location of the tumor. Low-grade fibrillary astrocytomas generally have a better prognosis than high-grade tumors.
Common Misspellings for FIBRILLARY ASTROCYTOMA
- dibrillary astrocytoma
- cibrillary astrocytoma
- vibrillary astrocytoma
- gibrillary astrocytoma
- tibrillary astrocytoma
- ribrillary astrocytoma
- fubrillary astrocytoma
- fjbrillary astrocytoma
- fkbrillary astrocytoma
- fobrillary astrocytoma
- f9brillary astrocytoma
- f8brillary astrocytoma
- fivrillary astrocytoma
- finrillary astrocytoma
- fihrillary astrocytoma
- figrillary astrocytoma
- fibeillary astrocytoma
- fibdillary astrocytoma
- fibfillary astrocytoma
- fibtillary astrocytoma
Etymology of FIBRILLARY ASTROCYTOMA
The term "fibrillary astrocytoma" is a medical term used to describe a type of brain tumor. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Fibrillary: The term "fibrillary" comes from the Latin word "fibra", meaning "fiber" or "thread". In medical terminology, "fibrillary" refers to structures or tissues that have a fibrous or thread-like appearance.
2. Astrocytoma: The term "astrocytoma" consists of two parts: "astro" and "cytoma". "Astro" is derived from the Greek word "astron", meaning "star". In this context, it refers to star-shaped cells called astrocytes found in the brain and spinal cord. "Cytoma" comes from the Greek word "kutos", meaning "tumor" or "swelling".
