Astrocytoma simultaneously present with Meningioma-a report of two cases and review of the literature

• Published in: Chinese neurosurgical journal Vol. 2; no. 1; p. 1
• Main Authors: Hasimu, Aihemaiti, Fu, Qiang, Zhou, Qingjiu, Li, Shaoshan, Zhu, Xiaofeng, Liu, Chen, Geng, Dangmuren Jiafu, Liu, Bo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central 18.03.2016
• Subjects: Biomarkers; Blood groups; Blood platelets; Brain cancer; Cell division; Genetic disorders; Growth factors; Hypotheses; Magnetic resonance imaging; Nervous system; Radiation therapy; Surgery; Trauma; Tumors
• ISSN: 2057-4967; 2057-4967
• DOI: 10.1186/s41016-016-0026-7

Background This research paper will discuss the surgical management and possible mechanisms, as well as enlighten other features which can explain meningioma and astrocytoma simultaneously occurrences including statistical coincidence, the role of common carcinogens, autocrine growth factors and their pathogenic correlations. Case presentation We describe two patients with simultaneous presentation of meningioma with astrocytoma. A correct preoperative radiological diagnosis was made in both patients and their tumors were completely removed microscopically. Pathological examinations confirmed that one among them was meningioma and the other an anaplastic astrocytoma. We reviewed the studies carried out regarding meningioma associated with astrocytoma in China as well as in other countries. Conclusion In the absence of phacomatosis or prior radiation therapy, the reason for the simultaneous occurrence of astrocytoma with meningioma is not clear, and these tumors could be merely a statistical coincidence. Careful preoperative radiological evaluation and surgical management is of great importance in these patients.