What is juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma?
Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) is a rare childhood brain tumor. In most cases, the tumor is a benign, slow growing tumor that usually does not spread to surrounding brain tissue. Symptoms of a JPA will vary depending upon the size and location of the tumor.
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What causes juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma?
The exact cause of a pilocytic astrocytoma is still unknown. But some researchers believe that genetic conditions can cause these tumors. These conditions can be: Li-Fraumeni syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk for certain cancers.
Is pilocytic astrocytoma common in children?
Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (Grade I): This slow-growing tumor is the most common brain tumor found in children.
What is the most common location of pilocytic astrocytoma?
Pilocytic astrocytoma is the most common childhood brain tumor and most often found in the posterior fossa.
Can a pilocytic astrocytoma become malignant?
Pilocytic astrocytoma is a slowly growing neoplasia that represents the most frequent cerebral tumor in pediatric age. Malignant transformation is rare and it is usually related to previous radiotherapy.
Is a pilocytic astrocytoma cancerous?
Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is clinically considered and classified as a grade I, non-malignant tumor per the World Health Organization guidelines for brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
Can pilocytic astrocytoma stop growing?
The findings, published in the June 1 issue of Clinical Cancer Research, could lead to better ways of evaluating and treating pilocytic astrocytomas. “These tumors are slow-growing to start with, and sometimes stop growing, and now we have a pretty good idea of why that happens,” says Charles G.
How do you get rid of pilocytic astrocytoma?
The standard treatment for PA is surgery to remove the tumor, when possible. If all of the tumor is removed, the outlook is usually good. If the tumor is in a spot where it can’t be fully removed during surgery, adults and older children might get radiation therapy to help kill any tumor cells left in the area.
Can you live with pilocytic astrocytoma?
The 5-year survival rate for children and teens up to age 19 with pilocytic astrocytoma is around 97%. For those with diffuse astrocytoma, the 5-year survival rate is around 81%. The survival rate for anaplastic astrocytoma is slightly over 28%. The grade of the astrocytoma affects survival rates.
How long can you live with pilocytic astrocytoma?
The 5-year survival rate for children and teens up to age 19 with pilocytic astrocytoma is around 97%. For those with diffuse astrocytoma, the 5-year survival rate is around 81%. The survival rate for anaplastic astrocytoma is slightly over 28%.