astrocytoma /as′trōsītō″mə/ pl. astrocytomas, astrocytomata [Gk, aster + kytos + oma] , a primary tumor of the brain composed of astrocytes and characterized by slow growth, cyst formation, invasion of surrounding structures, and often development of a highly malignant glioblastoma, within the tumor mass. Complete surgical resection of an astrocytoma may be possible early in the development of the tumor. It may also be treated with radiation therapy postoperatively or if surgery is not possible. Also called astrocytic glioma.
