Ganglioglioma pathophysiology

A ganglioglioma arises from neuronal glial cells, which are cells of the central nervous system. On gross pathology, a ganglioglioma varies from being a partially cystic mass with a mural nodule to a solid mass expanding the overlying gyrus. On microscopic pathology, a ganglioglioma is composed of ganglion cells and neoplastic glial cells with positive staining for synaptophysin, neuronal specific enolase, and GFAP.

Mutation of BRAF V600E gene has been detected in ganglioglioma. The mutant BRAF protein is expressed predominantly in neural cells and to a lesser degree, in the glial component. ^{[1] [2]}

Different pathways may be involved in the molecular pathogenesis of the ganglioglioma. Activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway has been noted in ganglioglioma.

Gangliogliomas are composed of two cell populations:^[3]

• Ganglion cells (large mature neuronal elements): ganglio-
• Neoplastic glial elements (astrocytic): -glioma

The glial component determines the biological behaviour of ganglioglioma. Dedifferentiation into high grade tumors may occur, and usually involves the glial component.

Template:WikiDoc Sources