The field of surgical neuropathology is remarkably broad and rapidly evolving. In the 2000 World Health Organization (WHO) classification scheme, there are over 100 diagnostic entities described and in the past few years, there have already been numerous additional clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic advancements, slated for discussion in the next WHO meeting. For most pathologists, neuropathology often constitutes only a small fraction of the workload and it is therefore, difficult to obtain sufficient diagnostic experience and keep up with the vast neuro-oncology literature related to this subspecialty. Increasingly, surgical pathology reports are utilized not only for assessment of overall prognosis, but also for guiding individual patient therapies. The goal of this course will be to update the audience on the latest advances and controversies impacting the daily practice of surgical neuropathology. A case-study approach will be utilized to highlight the most common problems encountered in the speakers’ diagnostic and consult services, as well as recent developments in classification, grading, and ancillary testing. Broad categories to be covered include gliomas, meningiomas and other dural-based masses, glioneuronal tumors, embryonal neoplasms, non-neoplastic tumor mimics, intraoperative frozen sections, neuroimaging correlates, and the burgeoning role of genetic testing, particularly for chromosome 1p and19q deletions.

The course will specifically target general Anatomic Pathologists and Pathology residents, though Neuropathology fellows and Neuropathologists may also find it useful. Case histories and a limited number of glass slides will be sent to participants prior to the meeting. A detailed syllabus will be available at the meeting and all participants will receive a CD containing representative images from the course.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to: 1) distinguish oligodendrogliomas from astrocytomas and other diagnostic mimics, 2) distinguish “discrete” or “favorable” gliomas from the more common diffuse variants, 3) accurately classify and grade meningiomas, 4) recognize both well established and new entities in the glioneuronal and embryonal tumor categories, 5) recognize demyelinating and inflammatory disorders that can mimic primary CNS neoplasms, and 6) gain an appreciation for useful ancillary immunohistochemical and genetic markers commonly utilized in surgical neuropathology.