A patient is diagnosed with a Grade II astrocytoma. What does the nurse realize is this patient's prognosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Grade II tumor cells are less well defined, and there is the possibility that a Grade II tumor will transform to a higher grade. Excellent prognosis is not associated with this type of brain tumor.
2. Astrocytomas are the most common types of primary brain tumor and are graded from I to IV according to tissue histology. Grade I and Grade II tumors are considered to be low-grade tumors, and they have the most favorable survival rates and respond well to early treatment.
3. Grade I tumor cells are well defined and almost normally shaped. They have a low incidence of brain infiltration. Grade II tumor cells are less well defined, and there is the possibility that a Grade II tumor will transform to a higher grade.
4. Higher-grade (III and IV) tumor cells are abnormally shaped and have a pronounced ability to infiltrate normal brain tissue; therefore, the prognosis is poor.

A Patient Is Diagnosed with a Grade II Astrocytoma