[2D-histograms of the nucleus area and nucleus shape in the diagnosis of astrocytomas and glioblastomas].

8 astrocytomas grade 1-4 and 2 glioblastomas were investigated by a system of automated microscope picture analysis. Histograms of nuclear area and shape from more than 1,000 measured nuclei per tumor were analysed. Both one- and two-dimensional histograms show findings which correlate with the malignant potential of the gliomas. The nuclear area rises with increasing tumor malignancy. On the other hand the measurements of nuclear shape factor are inversely related to the level of malignancy, indicating substantial irregularities in the nuclear structure. The 2D-histograms of both measured parameters also show changes which are correlated with the grade of tumor malignancy and which can be described as shift, loss of compactness and enlargement. The histogram method is discussed as an objectifiable process characterizing important cell and nuclear attributes connected with tumor malignancy. Histograms of both, nuclear area and shape can be helpful in the classification and grading of astrocytomas and glioblastomas.