What Are the Treatments for Cerebellar Glioma?

A cerebellar glioma is a type of solid tumor that occurs in the cerebellum of the brain. Balance and voluntary movement, like walking, are controlled in this part of the brain.

Features

• A glioma is a general term for a solid tumor. There are several types of gliomas which are named according to the type of brain cell involved and the location of the tumor.

Population

• The majority of patients presenting with a cerebellar glioma are children and adolescents. While gliomas do occur in adults, they are less likely to appear in the cerebellum.

Effects

• Initial symptoms depend on the location of the tumor; however, the most common are headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of coordination and balance. Difficulty walking and abnormal eye movements may also occur.

Treatment

• In the majority of cases, surgery is the first line of treatment as it may be possible to completely remove the tumor. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used if portions of the tumor could not be removed by surgery.

Considerations

• According to The Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation, surgical intervention has a cure rate around 90 percent. In many cases, removal of the tumor resolves most of the associated symptoms, but physical therapy may be ordered to restore motor function and coordination.