Histopathological Spectrum of Astrocytoma at J.A. Group of Hospitals, Gwalior

Abstract

Background: Astrocytomas are among the most common primary central nervous system tumors and exhibit a wide histopathological spectrum ranging from low-grade lesions to highly aggressive glioblastomas. Histopathological evaluation remains the cornerstone for diagnosis, grading, and prognostication.

Aim: To evaluate the histopathological spectrum of astrocytomas diagnosed at J.A. Group of Hospitals, Gwalior.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, Gajra Raja Medical College (GRMC), Gwalior, from March 2024 to January 2025. Histopathological records of 200 cases diagnosed as astrocytoma were reviewed. Data regarding age, sex, tumor location, WHO grade, and histopathological subtype were analyzed.

Results: Among 200 astrocytoma cases, 118 (59.0%) were males and 82 (41.0%) females. The majority of patients belonged to the 31–50-year age group (42.0%). Diffuse astrocytoma (WHO Grade II) constituted 34.0% of cases, followed by glioblastoma (Grade IV) accounting for 31.5%. Frontal lobe involvement was the most common location (36.5%). High-grade astrocytomas (Grade III and IV) were significantly more common in patients older than 40 years (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Diffuse astrocytoma and glioblastoma constituted the major histopathological subtypes. Increasing age was significantly associated with higher-grade tumors. Histopathological examination remains essential for accurate classification and prognostic assessment.

Keywords: Astrocytoma, Glioblastoma, Brain tumor, Histopathology, WHO grading.