Gliomas: The history of diagnosis and classification: Part 1

摘要

Over the last few years, there has been a shift from a 100-year-old tradition in classifying and grading brain tumors. Whereas traditional teachings were based on the observation of individual cells and identification of distinct recognizable patterns formed by these cells, modern classification demands the incorporation of molecular markers into the traditional systems of grading, causing considerable disruption in conventional histopathological approaches. The objective of this article is to highlight the advancements in grading and classification, to document the evolution of glioma prognostication, nil and nil the major events that marked turning points in its history. This review article is an exhaustive review of the literature that summarizes the changes in glioma classification over the last 100 years - from the early macroscopic inspections done at autopsy in the late 19th century to the first introductions of molecular markers by the World Health Organization. At this time of change, this article gives us a glimpse of how grading and classification has evolved as science has progressed, providing a glimpse into the future. Understanding the history of grading and classification is the key to better understanding the integrated histopathological and molecular approaches of today.