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Pilocytic astrocytomas are regularly cystic tumors, and, if strong, tend to be well-circumscribed.
Under the microscope, the tumor is visible to be composed of bipolar cells with lengthy "hair-like" GFAP-positive processes, giving the designation "pilocytic" (that is, made of cells that look like fibers whilst viewed below a microscope). Some pilocytic astrocytomas may be greater fibrillary and dense in composition. The presence of Rosenthal fibers, eosinophilic granular bodies, and microcysts can regularly be seen. Myxoid foci and oligodendroglioma-like cells can also be gift, though these are not particular to pilocytic astrocytoma. Long-standing lesions may additionally show hemosiderin-encumbered macrophages and calcifications.
