[Classification and grading of tumors of the central nervous system--pathological analysis of 4,373 cases].

OBJECTIVE

To research on the clinical application of the WHO 1979, 1993 and 2000 classifications of tumours of the central nervous system.

METHODS

With the analysis of 4 373 cases, problems were studied in applying the WHO classifications.

RESULTS

(1) The 2000 classification used double criteria of WHO and ICD-O. The relationship between them was very confusing. (2) Opinions suggested for about 15 types of the tumours of meningothelial cells. (3) It was difficult to separate benign, atypical or anaplastic meningiomas. (4) The diagnostic criterion of anaplastic gliomas was not clear. (5) Practically, glioblastoma was a type of mixed gliomas. (6) More cases should be studied in order to recognize special types of the tumours of neuroepithelial tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Suggested to make out a criterion of classification and grading that is more applicable for clinical diagnosis.