Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Glioma classification
Introduction
Overview
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
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
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2], Sujit Routray, M.D. [3]