Image Description
Spindle mesenchymal-like cells arranged in fascicles, along with gemistocyte-like glial cells and rare pleomorphic astrocytes can be seen in this image. With reticulin stains, one can see increased intercellular reticulin deposition which may be focal or diffuse. Vast majority of cases behave in a benign manner and are cured by resection (5-yr survival rate of 70-80%). About 15% to 20% of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas show local recurrences or undergo malignant transformation (to WHO Grade III).