INTRODUCTION: Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a central nervous system (CNS) tumour with peculiar clinicopathological features, that turn it into an entity different from pilocytic astrocytoma (PA). It appears in 2007 WHO classification of tumours of the CNS as an PA subtype belonging to the group of astrocytic tumours. Nowadays little is still known about this tumour entity; the histological origin and clinical behavior remain controversial, and there is no consensus about its management. OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific literature related to the topic and to present three cases treated at our service. CONCLUSIONS: PMA is an histological entity related to PA with a greater trend to regrowth and cerebrospinal fluid dissemination, therefore strict follow-up and oncological treatment is recommended.
INTRODUCTION:Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a central nervous system (CNS) tumour with peculiar clinicopathological features, that turn it into an entity different from pilocytic astrocytoma (PA). It appears in 2007 WHO classification of tumours of the CNS as an PA subtype belonging to the group of astrocytic tumours. Nowadays little is still known about this tumour entity; the histological origin and clinical behavior remain controversial, and there is no consensus about its management. OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific literature related to the topic and to present three cases treated at our service. CONCLUSIONS: PMA is an histological entity related to PA with a greater trend to regrowth and cerebrospinal fluid dissemination, therefore strict follow-up and oncological treatment is recommended.