Glioma: Principles and Practice in Neuro-Oncology

Many recent developments in neuro-oncology relevant to clinical practice have contributed to improved patient care. The most im­ portant impact of these developments on treatment may have been a change in the attitudes of the neuro-oncologists involved in making decisions regarding patients with gliomas. From an era of uncertainty which led to therapeutic nihilism, we have entered one of active interventions based on objective parameters for the treat­ ment of gliomas, which may be either slow-growing or rapid kil­ lers. The histopathological characteristics of gliomatous lesions are intriguing, and it is only recently that a clearer picture has begun to emerge. A group of dedicated neuropathologists has been at­ tempting to reach a consensus on pathological classification and grading, providing an important landmark in the field of neuro­ oncology. This book does not mean to provide exhaustive details on the histopathology of gliomas, but rather highlights the main problems in an authoritative chapter. This chapter attempts to guide the reader to a better understanding of all aspects of the neuropathology of glioma. Neuroradiology has recently seen several breakthroughs. Im­ ages unimaginable a decade ago are now providing us with an al­ most three-dimensional impression. But the concomitant illusions and artifacts must also be kept in mind, and pragmatic ideas are carefully put forward in this book about the developing body of knowledge concerning the newer imaging techniques.