Thalamic anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare, WHO Grade 3 glioma that arises from astrocytic cells in the thalamus. These tumors exhibit a more aggressive growth pattern than diffuse low-grade astrocytomas but are less malignant than glioblastomas (WHO Grade 4). Given the deep location of the thalamus and its critical role in sensory, motor, and cognitive processing, these tumors pose significant treatment challenges.

Epidemiology Age: Can occur at any age but is more common in adults aged 30-50 years. Sex: No significant gender predilection. Incidence: Rare in the thalamus; astrocytomas more commonly arise in the cerebral hemispheres.