Pilocytic astrocytoma

Pilocytic astrocytoma, or juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, is a brain tumor that occurs predominantly in children and involves the midline, basal, and posterior fossa structures. It is, in general, considered a benign tumor of childhood. It is often cystic, and, if solid, it tends to be well-circumscribed. It is characteristically a contrast-enhancing tumour by current imaging investigations (e.g., CT scan, MRI)

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Under the microscope, the tumor is viewed to be composed of bipolar cells with long "hairlike" GFAP-positive processes. Rosenthal fibers, eosinophilic granular bodies, and microcysts are often present.

It is classified as Grade 1 Astrocytoma.