Course Description

Capitalizing on the advancement in the molecular diagnostics, the 2021 WHO classification of central nervous system (CNS) tumors recommended substantial changes in taxonomy, nomenclature and grading of CNS tumors. Furthermore, 22 new tumor types/subtypes were introduced and 13 revised terminologies for tumor types/subtypes were implemented. This case-based course will provide a framework for using the contemporary molecular and morphological diagnostic criteria in pediatric and adult brain tumors and pituitary gland neoplasms. Expert faculty will lead sessions to ensure pathologists become familiar with these major changes in diagnostic criteria and utilize them in their daily practice.

This course is a collaboration between the American Association of Neuropathologists and USCAP.

Target Audience

Practicing academic and community pathologists, and pathologists-in-training

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this educational activity, learners will be able to:

Apply the 2021 CNS WHO taxonomy, nomenclature, grading and classification of adult-type diffuse gliomas.

Integrate morphologic and molecular diagnostic techniques to diagnose pediatric-type diffuse low-/high-grade gliomas.

Explain the role of integrated molecular diagnosis and histological criteria in the classification of other CNS tumors including ependymal, dural-based, nerve sheath, and CNS embryonal tumors.

Summarize the newly described tumor type/subtypes in the 2021 CNS WHO.

Apply the 2022 WHO classification of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) according to cell-lineage and cell type.

Discuss the non-neuroendocrine tumors of the sellar region.

List the most common nervous system tumors and associated clinical scenarios that should raise suspicion for genetic tumor syndromes.

TOPICS

Sellar Region Tumors 1 (Neuroendocrine) - Sylvia L. Asa, MD, PhD

Diffuse Gliomas - Arie Perry, MD

Sellar Region Tumors 2 (Non-Neuroendocrine) - Sylvia L. Asa, MD, PhD

Meningiomas and Mesenchymal Tumors - Arie Perry, MD

Ependymal and CNS Embryonal Neoplasms - Daniel Brat, MD, PhD

Nerve Sheath and Melanocytic Tumors - Melike Pekmezci, MD

Circumscribed Glial and Glioneuronal Tumors - Daniel Brat, MD, PhD

Genetic Tumor Syndromes of the Nervous System - Melike Pekmezci, MD