Malignant astrocytoma of the optic nerve in a child.

Abstract

Malignant gliomas of optic nerve and chiasm are rare, rapidly fatal neoplasms of adulthood. This report documents the occurrence of a malignant astrocytoma of the optic nerve in an 11-year-old boy who 9 years previously had a cerebellar medulloblastoma treated with surgery and irradiation. This malignant optic nerve glioma followed the same aggressive clinical course as that seen in adults, with death 9 months after diagnosis despite surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation may have been an important factor in the development of this malignant tumor which is almost never seen in the pediatric age group.

• Authors: J R Safneck, L B Napier, W C Halliday
• Journal: The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques (Can J Neurol Sci) Vol. 19 Issue 4 Pg. 498-503 (Nov 1992) ISSN: 0317-1671 [Print] England
• PMID: 1330262 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Cerebellar Neoplasms (pathology, therapy)
• Child
• Combined Modality Therapy
• Cranial Nerve Neoplasms (etiology, pathology)
• Glioblastoma (etiology, pathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Medulloblastoma (pathology, therapy)
• Neoplasms, Second Primary (pathology)
• Optic Nerve Diseases (etiology, pathology)