astrocytoma

Last edited 11/2018 and last reviewed 07/2023

The astrocytoma is the most common primary tumour of brain. It occurs equally throughout the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes, and is uncommon within the occipital lobes. In children, they are most commonly sited in the optic nerve, hypothalamus, and cerebellum.

They are graded from I to IV with respect to their degree of malignancy.

Astrocytomas may arise at any age but are most common between the ages of 40 and 60 years. Males are affected twice as frequently as females. In childhood the peak incidence is between 5 and 10 years.