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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU 2022; 12(04): 412-416
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742372
Original Article

Challenges in the Histopathologic Diagnosis of Brain Tumors: An Institutional Experience in a Series of Cases

Jayaprakash K. Shetty
1   Department of Pathology, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be) University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
,
Kishan H.L. Prasad
1   Department of Pathology, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be) University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
,
Shruthi S. 
1   Department of Pathology, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be) University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
,
Ananthan Raghothaman
2   Department of Neurosurgery, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte (Deemed to be) University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Abstract

Background Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are relatively rare. However, brain tumors are one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Accurate histopathologic diagnosis and molecular diagnostics are critical for managing these patients. Histopathology plays a vital role in diagnosis, but clinical and radiological information is also crucial while evaluating brain tumors.

Materials and Methods A cross-sectional observational study was performed for a period of 1 year in the pathology department of a tertiary hospital. All the brain biopsies sent for histopathological analysis were analyzed, and among which five brain biopsy tissue posing the diagnostic dilemma in conventional histopathology were included in the study. Immunohistochemistry was performed wherever necessary.

Results During the study period, we encountered 32 cases of brain biopsy. Five cases posing diagnostic challenges in histopathological diagnosis were included in the study. Expert opinions of neuropathologists were taken in all of these cases. We reviewed the cases for the diagnostic difficulties. A review of all these cases has impacted further treatment.

Conclusion In this case series, we present five CNS tumors with a diagnostic dilemma in histopathological diagnosis where clinicoradiological correlation, immunohistochemistry, and expert opinion helped in the definitive diagnosis revealing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for the better management of patients.

Keywords

brain tumors - angiosarcoma - pilocytic astrocytoma - embryonal tumor - glioblastoma

Source(s) of Support

Nil.




Publication History

Received: 05 November 2021

Accepted: 18 December 2021

Article published online:
09 February 2022

© 2022. Nitte (Deemed to be University). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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