Neuronal Tumors

What are Neuronal Tumors?

Neuronal tumors are tumors of the central nervous system that contain abnormal neuronal elements.  What is the Pathology of Neuronal Tumor? Etiology: The causes of neuronal tumors include gene mutations, environmental toxins, and infections. Pathogenesis: Age is certainly the most…
Periventricular Mass Lesions

What are Periventricular Mass Lesions?

Periventricular mass lesions are a broad collection of pathological processes that result in changes on brain imaging. Periventricular mass lesions include a very disparate group of conditions ranging from infection (abscess) to brain tumors. What is the Pathology of Periventricular…
Ependymomas

What are Ependymomas?

Ependymomas are a very rare type of tumor that start in the brain or spinal cord. Ependymomas may occur in both children and adults. What is the Pathology of Ependymomas? Etiology: The cause of ependymomas is unknown.  Genes involved: Unknown.…
Oligodendrogliomas

What are Oligodendrogliomas?

Oligodendrogliomas is a tumor that develops from oligodendrocytes.  What is the Pathology of Oligodendrogliomas? Etiology: The cause of Oligodendrogliomas is not known.  Genes involved: IDH mutation and 1p19q codeletion. Pathogenesis: Expansion of clonal oligodedrycytes.  Histology: The histology associated with oligodendrogliomas…
Astrocytomas

What are Astrocytomas?

Astrocytomas originate in a particular kind of glial cells, star-shaped brain cells in the cerebrum called astrocytes.  What is the Pathology of Astrocytomas? Etiology: The cause of Astrocytomas is not known. Genetic and immunologic abnormalities, environmental factors, diet, stress, and/or…
Gliomas

What are Gliomas?

Gliomas originate in the glial cells that surround nerve cells. Three types of glial cells can produce tumors. Gliomas are classified according to the type of glial cell involved in the tumor, as well as the tumor’s genetic features, which…
Tumors of the Central Nervous System

What are Tumors of the Central Nervous System?

Tumors of the central nervous system are abnormal cells in the nervous system which rapidly divide and have the ability to metastasize. Examples of tumors of the central nervous system include: Gliomas Astrocytomas OligodendrogliomasEpendymomasPeriventricular mass lesionsNeuronal tumorsPoorly differentiated neoplasms of the central…
Myoclonic Epilepsy and Ragged Red Fibers (MERRF)

What is Myoclonic Epilepsy and Ragged Red Fibers (MERRF)?

Myoclonic epilepsy and ragged red fibers (MERRF) is an inherited mitochondrial disorder characterized by myoclonus epilepsy, ataxia, generalized seizures, and myopathy. What is the Pathology of Myoclonic epilepsy and ragged red fibers (MERRF) Etiology: The cause of Myoclonic epilepsy and…