FIBRILLARY ASTROCYTOMAS Meaning and
Definition
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Fibrillary astrocytomas are a type of brain tumor classified as grade II on the World Health Organization (WHO) scale. These tumors arise from astrocytes, which are star-shaped cells that provide support and nourishment to neurons in the central nervous system.
Characterized as low-grade gliomas, fibrillary astrocytomas are named after their microscopic appearance. Upon examination, these tumors exhibit a pattern of delicate, long, and thin strands or fibers, resembling bundles of fibrils, hence the term "fibrillary."
Fibrillary astrocytomas are relatively slow-growing tumors, lacking prominent features of malignancy. They commonly occur in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes. However, they can also be found in other regions such as the brainstem, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
Patients with fibrillary astrocytomas often present with symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. Other symptoms may depend on the location and size of the tumor and may include changes in behavior, personality, or motor function.
The management of fibrillary astrocytomas typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Complete surgical resection offers the best chance of long-term control; however, in some cases, the tumor may invade vital areas of the brain, making complete removal challenging.
Despite low-grade classification, fibrillary astrocytomas can progress into higher-grade tumors over time. Hence, regular follow-ups and monitoring are crucial to detect any recurrence or progression.
Common Misspellings for FIBRILLARY ASTROCYTOMAS
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- fibfillary astrocytomas
- fibtillary astrocytomas
Etymology of FIBRILLARY ASTROCYTOMAS
The word "fibrillary" is derived from the Latin word "fibra", meaning "fiber". It is used in medicine to describe the microscopic appearance of a tissue, specifically referring to the appearance of fine, thread-like fibers.
"astrocytomas" is a combination of two terms: "astrocytes" and "oma". "Astrocytes" are a type of glial cells found in the central nervous system, responsible for providing support and nourishment to neurons. The suffix "oma" in medical terminology generally refers to a tumor or swelling. Therefore, an astrocytoma is a tumor that originates from astrocytes.
So, "fibrillary astrocytomas" refers to tumors that are composed of astrocytes and have a characteristic fibrous appearance under a microscope.
