PXAs are solid-cystic variants of WHO class II astrocytomas that most commonly appear in the temporal lobe of adult patients. The solid component enhances avidly after contrast administration. The adjacent edema is minimal. 

Pathology proven pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA). 

Microscopic examination show brain tissue with a neoplastic growth composed mainly of intertwining bundles of spindle cells having uniform oval nuclei with low mitotic activity accompanied by nests of entrapped foamy histiocytes, foci of myxoid change, multivacuolated xanthomas cells and rare bizarre giant cells; no evidence of necrosis or endothelial proliferation.

IHC study results:

• GFAP: diffuse and strongly positive
• S100: diffuse and strongly positive
• EMA: negative
• Synaptophysin: positive in entrapped neurons
• Ki-67: positive in up 8% of tumor cells
• P53: focal 5% positively