Granular Cell Astrocytoma

Abstract

Granular cell astrocytoma (GCA) is a rare type of malignant brain tumor with distinct morphologic features and aggressive clinical behavior. Almost all GCAs occur in the cerebral hemispheres. It is characterized by a prominent component of bland-looking granular cells. The tumor cells are usually positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100, CD68, and epithelial membrane antigen. The most important differential diagnoses include a number of reactive lesions such as cerebral infarction, multiple sclerosis, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Electron microscopic study reveals that the granules of GCA correspond to an increased number of intracytoplasmic lysosomes. The histogenesis of GCA is still unclear, but most people believe it originates from astrocytes. Loss of 9p and 10q were identified in almost all cases of GCA, but they are not specific for this tumor. Surgical excision plus postoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy is the choice for most patients with GCA.

Granular Cell Astrocytoma

“…5,6 Electron microscopy show the presence of granules in GCA is due to intracytoplasmic lyosomes. 7 The pathogenesis is still not clear, it is assumed that GCA has taken its origin from astrocytes. 4 Treatment is same as for GBM which includes surgical resection, followed by radiotheraphy and chemotheraphy.…”

Granular cell tumor of the brain: case report and review of literature

“…From a histological perspective, macrophages and granular tumor cells might be mistaken. Because of this, it is critical to distinguish GCA from a variety of reactive lesions, including multiple sclerosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and cerebral infarction [ 15 ]. In addition to considerable nuclear enlargement and atypia, GCAs frequently exhibit extensive eosinophilic nucleoli, characteristics that are not common in reactive CNS lesions in macrophages.…”

“…But the presence of an uncommon mitosis does not transform the tumor into an anaplastic astrocytoma. Tumors classified as Grade 3 have hypercellularity, evident nuclear atypia, and noticeable mitotic activity [ 15 ]. The combination of conventional infiltrating astrocytoma and high-grade neoplastic findings in histology supports the diagnosis of GCA.…”

“…Several high-grade GCA cancers had TP53 mutations as well as simultaneous deletions of p14 and p16. Despite being a frequent occurrence in high-grade astrocytomas, epidermal growth factor receptor amplification was not seen in a small group of GCA [ 15 ].…”

“…Granular cell astrocytoma (GCA) is a rare type of malignant brain tumor and is usually positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), S100, CD68, and epithelial membrane antigen [ 9 ]. GCTs of the brain tend to be malignant, more frequent in females, and can remain asymptomatic until detected by a biopsy.…”