Neurológia pre prax 4/2024

Practical diagnosis of CNS tumors according to WHO CNS 2021 classification: General changes and diagnosis of diffuse gliomas

WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system published in 2021 (WHO CNS 2021) introduces major changes in classification of tumors of the brain and the spinal cord which reflect major advances in the molecular genetics. Histology and immunohistochemistry still represent the cornerstone of diagnostics, but in many tumor types advanced molecular techniques, including methylation profiling, are required to arrive at correct diagnosis. WHO CNS 2021 introduces many new tumor types, establishes different approach to grading, including molecular grading, and emphasizes the importance of integrated diagnosis. This review summarizes some general changes in WHO CNS 2021 and briefly introduces practical diagnosis of diffuse gliomas.

Keywords: CNS tumors, gliomas, molecular pathology, methylation profiling, WHO classification