National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Pilocytic astrocytoma


Other Names:
Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma
Categories:
Pilocytic astrocytoma is an often benign, slow-growing tumor of the brain or spinal cord. The tumor may be in the form of a cyst and usually does not spread to nearby tissues. Symptoms vary depending upon the size and location of the tumor. Most symptoms result from increased pressure on the brain and include headaches, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, and vision abnormalities. The underlying cause of a pilocytic astrocytoma is unknown. It most commonly occurs in children and young adults, and in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis. This type of tumor can often be cured with surgery.[1][2][3]
Last updated: 8/9/2013
People with pilocytic astrocytomas might experience symptoms including: headaches, nausea, vomiting, irritability, ataxia (uncoordinated movement or unsteady gait), and vision issues.

These symptoms are associated with increased pressure within the skull resulting from the tumor or hydrocephalus.

Last updated: 12/22/2015
The exact underlying cause of pilocytic astrocytomas is currently unknown. Although most are thought to be sporadic (occurring by chance in an affected individual), they are known to be associated with certain genetic disorders including neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis.[4]
Last updated: 8/14/2013
Pilocytic astrocytomas are typically sporadic, occurring by chance in individuals with no history of the condition in the family. Sporadic abnormalities are not inherited from a parent and are not likely to recur in a family. Familial cases of isolated astrocytomas are very rare.[5]

Although most individuals with a pilocytic astrocytoma do not have an underlying genetic condition, astrocytomas have been associated with a few "predisposing" genetic syndromes. Individuals with these syndromes will not necessarily develop one; these tumors just occur with a greater frequency in affected individuals. Genetic syndromes in which astrocytomas have been reported to occur include:[5]

All of these genetic conditions follow an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Individuals who are interested in learning about personal genetic risks for these conditions and/or genetic testing options for themselves or family members should speak with a genetics professional.

Last updated: 8/14/2013

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Pilocytic astrocytoma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.
  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Pilocytic astrocytoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • My grandson was recently diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma. He was operated on successfully this year. No further treatment necessary, just follow up with the neurosurgeon for 5 years. Is this a hereditary condition? He has an 18 year old sister, and we want to know if she should be tested. See answer


  1. General Information About Adult Brain Tumors. National Cancer Institute (NCI). July 2011; http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adultbrain/Patient#Keypoint5. Accessed 9/16/2011.
  2. Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2007; http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/775/viewAbstract. Accessed 9/15/2011.
  3. Pilocytic Astrocytoma. National Brain Tumor Society. 2013; http://www.braintumor.org/patients-family-friends/about-brain-tumors/tumor-types/pilocytic-astrocytoma.html. Accessed 8/9/2013.
  4. Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. NORD. 2007; http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1194/viewAbstract. Accessed 8/9/2013.
  5. Jacques Grill. Astrocytoma. Orphanet. November 2007; http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?Lng=GB&Expert=94. Accessed 8/14/2013.
  6. Simon S Lo, MD, Sameer R Keole, MD, Kenneth J Levin, MD, Andrew E Sloan, MD, FACS, Karl Kish, MD, Eric L Chang, MD, James Fontanesi, MD. Imaging in Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma. Medscape. 10/27/2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/341293-overview. Accessed 12/22/2015.