The basic morphological characteristics of astrocytomas in Vojvodina in the period 2001-2006

Astrocytomas are the most common primary intracranial neoplasms. The aim of this investigation was to register the age, sex, tumor localization, frequency and histological types of patients with astrocytomas.

The investigation was carried out from January 2001 to June 2006 and included 490 consecutive patients of both sexes with diagnosed intracranial tumors, who had undergone surgical treatment at the Neurosurgery Clinic of the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina. Tumor histological studies were carried out in the Laboratory of the Centre for Pathology and Histology of the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina. Out of 490 patients with diagnosed intracranial tumors, 139 (28.4%) had astrocytomas.

Astrocytomas were more frequent in males (63.3%) and were most common in the 50-59-year age group (39.5%). The most common localization was the frontal region (30.2%), more commonly on the right side (51.8%). In regard to other histological types of intracranial tumors, astrocytomas were more frequent in males (34.8%). Grade III astrocytomas were most common (55.4%). The frequency of hemorrhage and thrombosis showed a positive correlation with the histological grade of astrocytomas.

The typical patient with astrocytoma is a male of 50-59 years. The tumor is grade III located in the right frontal region.