A "masked" pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma

The latest WHO Classification of tumours of the Central Nervous System (CNS) emphasizes the necessity of an integrated diagnostic approach during the workup of a CNS neoplasm. In addition to the mutational status, assessment of methylation profile of a tumour emerged as a helpful (often necessary) tool to make a correct and unequivocal diagnosis. Here we present a case of a Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma with clinical, radiological and histopathological findings remarkably overlapping with a recently described paediatric-type glioma namly Polymorphic Low-grade Neuroepithelial Tumour of the Young (PLNTY). The differential diagnosis here discussed represents a methodological paradigm in the modern neuropathology. In fact, the presentation of this case is a demonstration that in day-to-day practice, clinical, radiological, and histopathological data can all be misleading, and the correct diagnosis can only be reached by integration with molecular analysis. In the modern neuro-oncology, it is by far mandatory for all the specialists dealing with cerebral tumours to "contaminate" their own cultural heritage with other ones, to optimally manage a patient with CNS tumour.