Anaplastic Astrocytoma is a malignant brain tumor that arises from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. Synonyms for this term include malignant astrocytoma, grade III astrocytoma, and high-grade astrocytoma. Other related terms include glioblastoma multiforme, which is a type of aggressive cancer that is closely related to anaplastic astrocytoma, and oligodendroglioma, which is a type of brain tumor that arises from oligodendrocytes rather than astrocytes. Regardless of the specific terminology used, anaplastic astrocytoma is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention and treatment.