Abstract
Since its first description by Kepes in 1979, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) has been considered a tumor with a benign course. Two cases are presented here that support the concept that PXA may be more accurately considered part of a spectrum of astrocytomas that occasionally may act aggressively. These cases represent astrocytomas with PXA components and are characterized by meningeal proximity, a high number of mitoses, and subsequently aggressive clinical behavior. The importance of recognizing the potential of a “benign” PXA to transform into a malignant entity has obvious implications for the therapeutic management of these tumors.
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Gaskill, S.J., Marlin, A.E. & Saldivar, V. Glioblastoma multiforme masquerading as a pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma. Child's Nerv Syst 4, 237–240 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00270921
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00270921