Abstract
Cerebellar astrocytoma of childhood has always been regarded as a benign tumour. Certain issues still attract debate, in particular the role of radiotherapy as an adjuvant to surgery, management of the cyst wall in cystic lesions and treatment of recurrent tumours. To provide some answers to these questions, the experience in Birmingham (United Kingdom) between the years 1959 and 1991 was reviewed. Ninety-seven patients aged 0–14 years had been treated and the histological material was reassessed independently. Detailed statistical and clinical analysis revealed that the main factor of negative prognostic value was the presence of brain stem involvement. In cystic tumours the surgical excision of the cyst wall did not offer significant advantage on survival. Similarly, postoperative radiotherapy did not improve survival, and there is a suggestion that it may actually predispose to malignant transformation. The implications on management are discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Austin E, Alvord EC Jr (1988) Recurrences of cerebellar astrocytoma: a violation of Collin's law. J Neurosurg 68:41–47
Bucy P, Thieman P (1968) Astrocytomas of the cerebellum. A study of a series of patients operated upon over 28 years ago. Arch Neurol 18:14–19
Crawford JV, Rubinstein LJ, Russell DS (1958) Follow-up of cerebellar astrocytomas in relation to their pathology. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 21:64
Cushing H (1931) Experiences with cerebellar astrocytomas. A critical review of seventy-six cases. Surg Gynecol Obstet 52:120–204
Davis C, Juglekar V (1981) Cerebellar astrocytomas in children and young adults. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 44:820–828
Eldridge AR (1968) Long term survival in the astrocytoma series. J Neurosurg 28:399–404
Garcia DM, Marks JE, Latifi HR, Kliefoth AB (1990) Childhood cerebellar astrocytomas: is there a role for postoperative irradiation? Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 18:815–818
Geissinger JD, Busy PC (1971) Astrocytomas of the cerebellum in children. Long term study. Arch Neurol 24:125–135
Gjerris F, Klinken L (1978) Long term prognosis in children with benign cerebellar astrocytoma. J Neurosurg 49:179–184
Gol A, McKissok W (1959) The cerebellar astrocytoma. A report of 98 verified cases. J Neurosurg 16:287–296
Ilgren EB, Stiller CA (1987) Cerebellar astrocytomas. Part I. Macroscopic and microscopic features. Clin Neuropathol 6:185–200
Ilgren EB, Stiller CA (1987) Cerebellar astrocytomas. Part II. Pathologic features indicative of malignancy. Clin Neuropathol 6:201–214
Lapras C, Patet JD, Lapras C Jr, Mottolese C (1986) Cerebellar astrocytomas in childhood. Child's Nerv Syst 2:55–59
Mabon RF, Svien HJ, Adson AW, Kernohan JW (1950) Astrocytomas of the cerebellum. Arch Neurol Psychiatry 64:74–88
Palma L, Russo A, Celli P (1984) Prognosis of the so called “diffuse” cerebellar astrocytoma. Neurosurgery 15:315–317
Russell DS, Rubinstein LJ (1977) Pathology of tumours of the nervous system, 4th edn. Arnold, London, pp 183–190
Schneider JH, Raffel C, McComb JG (1992) Benign cerebellar astrocytomas of childhood. Neurosurgery 30:58–63
Shapiro K, Katz M (1983) The recurrent cerebellar astrocytoma. Child's Brain 10:168–176
Wallner K, Gonzales M, Edwards M, Wara W, Sheline G (1988) Treatment results of juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma. J Neurosurg 69:171–176
Winston K, Gilles FH, Leviton A, Fulchiero A (1977) Cerebellar gliomas in children. J Natl Cancer Inst 58:833–838
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sgouros, S., Fineron, P.W. & Hockley, A.D. Cerebellar astrocytoma of childhood: long-term follow-up. Child's Nerv Syst 11, 89–96 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00303812
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00303812