Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma

Also known as: PXA.

What is pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma?

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a rare brain tumor that grows in the upper parts of the brain (cerebral hemispheres) from brain cells called astrocytes (a type of glioma), which form the brain’s supportive and nutritional network. It occurs equally in boys and girls (average age at diagnosis: 12 years) and is almost always benign, which means that it is non-cancerous.

On very rare occasions it can develop into a cancer.

What causes pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma?

At this time the cause is unknown.

What are the symptoms of pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma?

The most common symptoms include seizures, and evidence of raised pressure in the skull (headache, drowsiness, weakness on one side of the body, behavioral changes, nausea and vomiting).

What are pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma care options?

The most common treatment for pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is surgical removal of the tumor. On occasion, radiation therapy or biologic therapy may also be used to treat the condition.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:19 PM