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Pediatric Medulloblastoma: Ultrastructure

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Pediatric Cancer, Volume 3

Part of the book series: Pediatric Cancer ((PECA,volume 3))

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Abstract

In this chapter we explore the ultrastructural spectrum of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system in childhood. All medulloblastomas dis­play morphologic evidence of neuronal differentiation by electron microscopy, ranging from minimal to quite prominent. A semi-quantitative classification scheme for this feature is provided and illustrated. A lesser known quality of some cases of medulloblastoma is their capacity to undergo divergent differentiation. We describe and illustrate three forms of this, including astrocytic, myogenic and melanotic. Recognition of such divergent differentiation in the neoplastic cell population of medulloblastoma by electron microscopy can aid in the prevention of diagnostic errors, and may potentially identify subtypes susceptible to alternative therapies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuropathology, Klinikum Kassel, Mönchebergstr. 41-43, D-34125, Kassel, Germany

    Gerhard Franz Walter

  2. Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, USA

    Douglas A. Weeks

Authors
  1. Gerhard Franz Walter
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  2. Douglas A. Weeks
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Correspondence to Gerhard Franz Walter .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Biology, Kean University, Union, New Jersey, USA

    M.A. Hayat

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Walter, G.F., Weeks, D.A. (2012). Pediatric Medulloblastoma: Ultrastructure. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Pediatric Cancer, Volume 3. Pediatric Cancer, vol 3. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4528-5_16

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