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CNS (Brain)
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A number of grading systems are in common use for tumors of astrocytic lineage (i.e. astrocytomas, anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas). Grades are assigned solely based on the microsopic appearance of the tumor. The numerical grade assigned for a given tumor, however, can vary depending on which grading system is used as illustrated by the following table. Thus, it is important to specify the grading system referred to when a grade is specified. The St. Anne/Mayo grade has proven to correlate better with survival than the previously common Kernohan grading system. It can only be applied to invasive tumors of astrocytic lineage; it is otherwise similar to the WHO grading system.
Grading of astrocytic tumors|
WHO designation |
WHO grade* |
Kernohan grade* |
St. Anne/Mayo grade |
St. Anne/Mayo criteria |
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Pilocytic astrocytoma |
I |
I |
Excluded |
- |
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Astrocytoma |
II |
I, II |
1 |
No criterion fulfilled |
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2 |
1 criterion |
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Anaplastic astrocytoma |
III |
II, III |
3 |
2 criteria |
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Glioblastoma |
IV |
III, IV |
4 |
3 -4 criteria |
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*The WHO and Kernohan systems are not criteria based. Thus, a given tumor may not fall under the same designation in all three systems.
* S.B. Tatter: The new WHO Classification of Tumors affecting the Central Nervous System. (Accessed April 2012)
Grading of Meningiomas|
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