Brain Cancer and Gliomas
Symptoms of a glioma are similar to those produced by other malignant brain tumors and depend on the area of the brain affected. The most common symptom is headache -- affecting about half of all people with a brain tumor. Other symptoms can include seizures, memory loss, physical weakness, loss of muscle control, visual symptoms, language problems, cognitive decline, and personality changes. These symptoms may change, according to which part of the brain is affected.
Symptoms may worsen or change as the tumor continues to grow and destroys brain cells, compresses parts of the brain, and causes swelling in the brain and pressure in the skull.
If a brain tumor is suspected, a brain scan is typically done. This includes a CT scan, an MRI scan (considered to be superior), or both. If the brain scan suggests a brain tumor, a biopsy may be performed for diagnosis. A biopsy may be done as a separate procedure or at the time the tumor is removed if surgery is a treatment option.
Gliomas are characterized by subtypes and by a numerical grading system. The grade of a tumor means how the cancer cells appear under a microscope. Grade I tumors grow slowly and can sometimes be totally removed by surgery, while grade IV tumors are fast-growing, aggressive, and difficult to treat.
According to the current World Health Organization (WHO) scheme, malignant
astrocytomas are classified and graded as follows:
The oligodendroglial tumors are classified as follows:
The ependymal tumors are classified as ependymoma and anaplastic ependymoma with the latter being more aggressive.
The low-grade tumors usually grow slowly but may transform into high-grade tumors with time.
Different treatment options are considered for malignant glioma, depending on the location of the tumor, type of glioma (cell type), and grade of malignancy. The patient’s age and physical condition also play a role in determining treatment. Treatment for gliomas is multifaceted and may include:
Brain Cancer and Gliomas
In this article
- Are There Different Types of Gliomas?
- What Are the Symptoms of a Glioma?
- How Are Gliomas Diagnosed?
- How Are Gliomas Graded?
- How Are Gliomas Treated?
- What’s the Prognosis for Those With Gliomas?
What Are the Symptoms of a Glioma?
Symptoms of a glioma are similar to those produced by other malignant brain tumors and depend on the area of the brain affected. The most common symptom is headache -- affecting about half of all people with a brain tumor. Other symptoms can include seizures, memory loss, physical weakness, loss of muscle control, visual symptoms, language problems, cognitive decline, and personality changes. These symptoms may change, according to which part of the brain is affected.
Symptoms may worsen or change as the tumor continues to grow and destroys brain cells, compresses parts of the brain, and causes swelling in the brain and pressure in the skull.
How Are Gliomas Diagnosed?
If a brain tumor is suspected, a brain scan is typically done. This includes a CT scan, an MRI scan (considered to be superior), or both. If the brain scan suggests a brain tumor, a biopsy may be performed for diagnosis. A biopsy may be done as a separate procedure or at the time the tumor is removed if surgery is a treatment option.
How Are Gliomas Graded?
Gliomas are characterized by subtypes and by a numerical grading system. The grade of a tumor means how the cancer cells appear under a microscope. Grade I tumors grow slowly and can sometimes be totally removed by surgery, while grade IV tumors are fast-growing, aggressive, and difficult to treat.
According to the current World Health Organization (WHO) scheme, malignant
astrocytomas are classified and graded as follows:
- Grade I gliomas are called pilocytic astrocytomas and are usually seen in children.
- Grade II tumors are called diffuse astrocytomas and are low grade.
- Grade III gliomas are called anaplastic astrocytoma. They're considered high grade.
- Grade IV glioblastoma are considered high grade.
The oligodendroglial tumors are classified as follows:
- Grade II or low grade oligodendroglioma
- Grade III or anaplastic oligodendroglioma.
The ependymal tumors are classified as ependymoma and anaplastic ependymoma with the latter being more aggressive.
The low-grade tumors usually grow slowly but may transform into high-grade tumors with time.
How Are Gliomas Treated?
Different treatment options are considered for malignant glioma, depending on the location of the tumor, type of glioma (cell type), and grade of malignancy. The patient’s age and physical condition also play a role in determining treatment. Treatment for gliomas is multifaceted and may include:
- Tumor removal by surgery is the mainstay of treatment. The patient should be otherwise relatively healthy, and brain function, speech, and mobility is able to be maintained. Imaging techniques such as CT scanning and functional MRI may be used to assist the surgeon in removing the tumor. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible and obtain an accurate diagnosis. Recurrences of the tumor are frequent.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other radiation to kill the cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the cancer cell growth. This therapy may be taken by mouth or injected.
- Supportive therapy to improve symptoms and neurologic function include corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the brain caused by the tumor and anticonvulsants to control or prevent seizures.
- Clinical trials, performed to see if new cancer therapies are effective and safe, are another option.