Practical molecular pathology and histopathology of embryonal tumors

Abstract

There have been significant improvements in understanding of embryonal tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) in recent years. These advances are most likely to influence the diagnostic algorithms and methodology currently proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification scheme. Molecular evidence suggests that the tumors presumed to be specific entities within the CNS/primitive neuroectodermal tumors spectrum are likely to be reclassified. All these developments compel reassessing current status and expectations from the upcoming WHO classification efforts. This review provides a synopsis of current developments and a practical algorithm for the work-up of these tumors in practice.

Keywords: Embryonal tumors; Histopathology; Molecular pathology; WHO classification.