[Classification of the astrocytic gliomas.  Brief comments]. 
Gliomas make up approximately 50% of the primary brain tumors of the central nervous system in adults.  Astrocytes from between 70 and 75% of these tumors.  Historically grading these has been very controversial, in spite of its importance for prognosis and planning treatment.  We have reviewed existing proposals for the classification of astroglial neoplasias, from the initial studies to the latest classification by the World Health Organization.  All have pursued the objective of finding the histopathological grade of the neoplasm to relate it to survival and predict prognosis.  Further knowledge of these tumors is the aim of professionals and others interested in the subject, in the difficult course of finding better and more efficient treatment for these patients.