Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, light micrograph. Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a rare爏ubtype of astrocytoma (WHO Grade II)爐hat usually occurs in燾hildren and young adults. It has a predilection for爐emporal lobe燼nd majority of the patients present with爀pilepsy. The tumour is usually爓ell-circumscribed燼nd frequently has爏olid and cystic components. This image shows爏pindle cells爄n intersecting fascicles admixed with爂emistocyte-like cells, as well as a few爃ighly pleomorphic astrocytes. Mitotic activity or necrosis are not seen, except in cases that have undergone malignant transformation (seen in 15% to 20% of cases).