WHO CNS5
WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System
The WHO classification is the international standard for naming and grading brain and spinal cord tumors, and the 2021 fifth edition was a major shift toward molecular diagnosis. It advances integrated diagnoses and layered reporting, introduces new tumor types and subtypes (notably in pediatrics), moves grading closer to how other cancers are graded, and formalizes the role of molecular markers alongside histology. For radiologists it reframes how imaging findings map onto entities, making it one of the most-consulted references when a brain-tumor report has to speak the current oncologic language. Pair with RANO for the response-assessment counterpart.
Version history & what changed
- 5th edition (CNS5)2021Current
A major shift toward molecular diagnosis: integrated diagnoses and layered reporting, new (esp. pediatric) types and subtypes, grading within tumor types, and molecular markers formalized alongside histology.
- Revised 4th edition2016
First to fold molecular parameters (e.g. IDH status, 1p/19q codeletion) into the definition of diffuse gliomas and other entities.
- 4th edition2007
Refined histologic entities and grading and added several newly recognized tumor types.
- 3rd edition2000
Updated the histologic classification and grading conventions for CNS tumors.
- 2nd edition1993
Broadened and standardized the histologic classification of CNS tumors.
- 1st edition1979
Established the first WHO histologic classification and grading scheme for tumors of the central nervous system.
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RadPigeon is an independent radiology news digest and is not affiliated with or endorsed by World Health Organization. “WHO CNS5” is a trademark of its owner and is named here only to refer to the system. Always consult the official source for the exact, current criteria.