Education Objectives - Glial Tumors

Know the basis of and correlate current and past classifications of Diffuse Gliomas, (Three-tiered vs. Four-tiered systems)

Know the limitations and similarities of current classification systems (St. Anne-Mayo and 2000 WHO)

Know the epidemiology, clinical presentation and neuroradiology of common glial neoplasms.

Know useful diagnostic features of gliomas on touch, smear, frozen preparation and paraffin histology.

Know the diagnostic histologic features of glial neoplasms.

Know the immunohistochemical profile of astrocytic, oligodendroglial and ependymal tumors.

Know the different prognostic significance of glioma variants.

Know methods for quantifying the proliferation index of a glial tumor.

Know how to rcognize common diagnostic dilemmas and the means of resolving them: (astrocytoma vs. reactive gliosis, astrocytoma vs. demyelinating disease)

Know typical genetic alterations of different glioma types and grades and the therapeutic implications associated with particular genetic alterations in some subtypes of gliomas.

Know familial cancer syndromes in which glial neoplasms occur.

Know histopathologic definitions of glial neoplasms.

Know the diagnostic criteria for anaplastic versus non anaplastic glial tumors.

Know how to recognize common glial neoplasms occurring in NF-1 and Tuberous Sclerosis.