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> Brain Tumors
> Low-grade astrocytomas
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Low-grade astrocytomas
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Generally present in the 3rd decade and represent 10-30% of all astrocytomas. Up to 90% of patients will present with seizures and 40% of these patients will have had seizures for at least 5 years before a diagnosis is made. With improved imaging techniques, the mean age of presentation has fallen and the presenting clinical picture has become more subtle. In fact, 78% of patients have a normal neurological examination at the time of presentation. Tumors that are accessible should be aggressively resected, if possible. There is controversy over the role of radiotherapy for these tumors and ongoing protocols are addressing this question. Molecular biologic techniques can provide insight into the clinical behavior of these tumors. The measurement of proliferative activity seems to be helpful in directing adjuvant therapy postoperatively. The most recent studies suggest a median survival of over seven years, with a 5-year survival of 65% and a 10-year survival of 40%. |
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