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Stage 3 Glioma

Gliomas are a form of brain tumor that develops from the glial, or supportive, cells in the brain. Tumors are rated in stages, with Stage 3 (more commonly written as Stage III) gliomas termed a mid- to high-grade tumor. Stage III gliomas are usually aggressive and have a poorer prognosis than a lesser-grade tumor. Stage III gliomas are also termed anaplastic, that is, they divide rapidly and bear little resemblance to normal cells. There are three main kinds of glioma.

  1. Astrocytomas

    • Astrocytomas are gliomas that develop from star-shaped cells known as astrocytes. They have tentacle-like projections that grow into the surrounding tissue, making them difficult tumors to remove completely. These cells usually store nutrients for the brain. They are usually gray in color, with more high-grade tumors becoming darker, from yellow to brown to black.

    Oligodendrogliomas

    • Oligodendrogliomas come from cells called oligodendrocytes, which resemble a fried egg. These cells normally cover the nerve fibers of the brain. They can sometimes be mixed with astrocytes, in which case they are termed oligocytomas. Oligodendrogliomas are usually grayish-pink and can contain blood, pus and hard deposits of calcium.

    Ependymomas

    • Ependymomas develop from corn-kernel-shaped cells called ependymal cells. They usually line the fluid-filled spaces of the brain. They vary in color from pale to reddish and can be found in the brain stem, cerebellum and any part of the spine. They usually take the form of hard nodules.

    Symptoms of Stage 3 Gliomas

    • Symptoms will vary depending on the location of the glioma, but can include headaches, tingling, fits, seizures, changes in behavior or personality, changes in balance or coordination, or partial paralysis.

    Treatment for Stage 3 Gliomas

    • Treatment includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. New treatments are emerging through clinical trials.

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