About Glioma

A glioma is an abnormal tumor, which originates in the brain. Gliomas are usually cancerous and are made of glial cells. Brain tumors may be classified as primary or secondary. Secondary brain tumors have metastasized, or spread from their original site into the brain. Primary brain tumors start in the brain. According to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, about 50 percent of primary brain tumors are gliomas.

Facts

• There are a few different types of gliomas depending on the type of glial cells involved or the location in the brain, such as astsrocytomas, ependymomas and brainstem gliomas. The tumors can start in various areas of the brain, such as the frontal lobe, brainstem or cerebellum. They are classified as either low grade or high grade. Low-grade tumors grow slowly and high-grade tend to be fast growing. The cause of a glioma is now known.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of a glioma include frequent headaches and vomiting due to the increased intracranial pressure caused by the tumor. Numbness in the limbs and problems with balance or walking may also occur. Developing seizures, with no prior history, is a symptom of a glioma. Some symptoms may depend on the location of the glioma. For instance, an optic nerve glioma may cause vision changes.

Diagnosis

• A few different types of tests may be recommended by a physician after a review of symptoms and a physical indicate a possible brain tumor. A computerized tomography (CT) scan can create a picture of inside the head and show abnormal growths. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be completed instead of, or in addition to, a CT scan. An MRI may be more precise and locate smaller tumors.

Treatment

• Surgery may be performed in some instances, although the location of a glioma may make surgery too dangerous in some cases. Radiation therapy is often recommended to destroy the cancer cells. Different types of radiation are available including standard radiation, which is administered over the course of several treatments. Gamma-knife radiosurgery is another type of radiation therapy. The procedure uses specialized equipment to direct radiation at the precise location of the tumor. This helps prevent damage to healthy brain tissue. Chemotherapy may also be prescribed for some gliomas.

Considerations

• According to the Society for Neuroscience, because gliomas grow in the confined space of the head, they often damage healthy brain tissue. The extent of the damage depends on the size of the glioma and the location. Prognosis also depends on the location of the tumor. For example, brainstem gliomas are harder to treat. The brainstem controls functions such as breathing. Surgery to remove tumors may be too dangerous, and treatment options are more limited.