CNS Tumors - Classification of CNS Tumors and Astrocytoma Explained- Neuropathology
Vignesh Varma
Primary CNS tumors
Primary CNS tumors arise from neurons or neuroglia. They are less common than
metastatic tumors that come from other sites like the lungs. Primary tumors are
usually single and poorly circumscribed whereas secondary or metastatic tumors are
well circumscribed and multiple in number, commonly located at the junction of the
grey and white matter. Primary tumors rarely spread to the breast or lungs.
Cell types in the brain
There are two kinds of cells in the CNS: neurons and neuroglia. Neurons are the
principal cells of the CNS whereas neuroglia are the supporting cells that help in
the myelination of the neurons. Ependymal cells and astrocytes are star-shaped
cells that help form the blood-brain barrier. The myelin sheath is produced by
oligodendrocytes. Schwann cells are supporting cells found in the cranial nerves
and peripheral nervous system that perform similar functions as oligodendrocytes
but for the peripheral nerves. Meningeal cells give rise to meningioma which are
tumors common in adults.
Tumor classification
Tumors in children are typically found in front and orally while tumors in adults
are usually found supratentorially. Tumors in infants are typically found in the
posterior fossa. The tendril plane is a plane that passes between the cerebrum and
the cerebellum, while the internal plane passes between the cerebral cerebrum and
cerebellom. The midneurisis is a common area of the nervous system where tumors can
occur.
Vignesh Varma
Primary CNS tumors
Primary CNS tumors arise from neurons or neuroglia. They are less common than
metastatic tumors that come from other sites like the lungs. Primary tumors are
usually single and poorly circumscribed whereas secondary or metastatic tumors are
well circumscribed and multiple in number, commonly located at the junction of the
grey and white matter. Primary tumors rarely spread to the breast or lungs.
Cell types in the brain
There are two kinds of cells in the CNS: neurons and neuroglia. Neurons are the
principal cells of the CNS whereas neuroglia are the supporting cells that help in
the myelination of the neurons. Ependymal cells and astrocytes are star-shaped
cells that help form the blood-brain barrier. The myelin sheath is produced by
oligodendrocytes. Schwann cells are supporting cells found in the cranial nerves
and peripheral nervous system that perform similar functions as oligodendrocytes
but for the peripheral nerves. Meningeal cells give rise to meningioma which are
tumors common in adults.
Tumor classification
Tumors in children are typically found in front and orally while tumors in adults
are usually found supratentorially. Tumors in infants are typically found in the
posterior fossa. The tendril plane is a plane that passes between the cerebrum and
the cerebellum, while the internal plane passes between the cerebral cerebrum and
cerebellom. The midneurisis is a common area of the nervous system where tumors can
occur.
