The Neuropathology course is designed to provide a structured and clinically integrated approach to the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. With rapid advances in molecular diagnostics and evolving classification frameworks, neuropathology is one of the most dynamic areas in surgical pathology. This course is tailored for pathologists, postgraduates, and faculty who wish to strengthen both their conceptual understanding and practical diagnostic skills.

The course begins with the approach to CNS tumors, integrating clinical and radiological inputs that set the context for pathological interpretation. It then traces the evolution of CNS tumor classification, highlighting updates from C-IMPACT NOW and the WHO classification, while reinforcing the continuing importance of morphology in diagnosis.

Dedicated modules systematically cover adult-type diffuse gliomas, pediatric gliomas (low and high grade), circumscribed astrocytic gliomas, glioneuronal tumors, ependymomas, meningiomas, mesenchymal tumors, lymphomas, germ cell tumors, and tumors of the sellar region. Case-based discussions on the role of frozen sections in CNS tumors ensure that participants gain practical exposure to real-world diagnostic challenges.

By combining morphology, molecular diagnostics, and clinicoradiological correlation, this course equips learners to navigate both routine and rare CNS tumors with confidence, ensuring clinically relevant and evidence-based pathology reporting.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to CNS tumors, integrating clinical, radiological, and pathological findings.

2. Trace the evolution of CNS tumor classification, with emphasis on updates from C-IMPACT NOW and the latest WHO editions.

3. Apply morphology-based diagnosis in glial and non-glial tumors while understanding its complementarity with molecular data.

4. Interpret and report adult-type diffuse gliomas, pediatric low- and high-grade gliomas, and circumscribed astrocytic gliomas.

5. Identify and classify glioneuronal tumors, ependymomas, and meningiomas, incorporating recent advances and updates.

6. Recognize rare entities, including mesenchymal tumors, CNS lymphomas, germ cell tumors, and tumors of the sellar region.

7. Evaluate frozen sections in CNS tumors through case-based discussions, improving intraoperative consultation skills.

8. Integrate molecular diagnostics into daily neuropathology practice without losing sight of the essential morphological foundations.

9. Develop competency in practical reporting, aligning diagnostic practice with international standards and guidelines.

10. Enhance diagnostic confidence in challenging and rare CNS tumor scenarios, ensuring high-quality, clinically impactful reports.