Glioma classification
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2], Sujit Routray, M.D. [3]
Overview
Glioma may be classified into several subtypes based on the type of cell (ependymoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and mixed gliomas), grade (low-grade and high-grade gliomas), and location (infratentorial and supratentorial).[1]
Classification
Glioma may be classified into several subtypes based on the type of cell, grade, and location.[1]
1. Based on the type of cell
Glioma may be classified according to the type of cell into four subtypes:[1]
- Ependymomas — ependymal cells
- Astrocytomas — astrocytes
- Oligodendrogliomas — oligodendrocytes
- Mixed gliomas (oligoastrocytomas) — cells from different types of glia
2. Based on the grade
Glioma may be classified according to the grade into two subtypes:[1]
- Low-grade gliomas are well-differentiated tumors. These are benign tumors.
- High-grade gliomas are undifferentiated or anaplastic tumors. These are malignant tumors.
WHO grading system for astrocytomas
| Grade | Type of tumor |
|---|---|
|
WHO grade 1 |
|
|
WHO grade 2 |
|
|
WHO grade 3 |
|
|
WHO grade 4 |
3. Based on the location
Glioma may be classified according to the location into two subtypes:[1]
- Infratentorial: mostly in children (70%)
- Supratentorial: mostly in adults (70%)
References
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