Glioma

What is glioma?

Glial tumors (gliomas) are a type of tumor that occur in the brain and spinal cord. They arise from glial cells, which are the supportive cells in the nervous system. Gliomas can be classified based on the type of glial cell they originate from, their location, and their grade (how aggressive they are).

Types of Gliomas

Astrocytomas: Develop from astrocytes, which are star-shaped glial cells. They can be low-grade (slow-growing) or high-grade (fast-growing), including:

• Pilocytic Astrocytoma (Grade I)
• Astrocytoma IDH-mutant (Grade II, III, IV)
• Glioblastoma IDH wild type (Grade IV)

Oligodendrogliomas: Arise from oligodendrocytes, which produce the myelin that insulates nerve fibers. These are generally slower growing and include:

• Oligodendroglioma (Grade II) 
• Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma (Grade III)

Ependymomas: Develop from ependymal cells that line the ventricles of the brain and the center of the spinal cord. Types include:

• Subependymoma (Grade I)
• Myxopapillary Ependymoma (Grade I)
• Ependymoma (Grade II)
• Anaplastic Ependymoma (Grade III)

What causes gliomas?

The exact cause of gliomas is not well understood, but several factors may increase risk:

• Genetic mutations
• Family history of gliomas
• Exposure to radiation, particularly to the head
• Certain hereditary conditions like neurofibromatosis

What are the symptoms of glioma?

Symptoms of gliomas vary based on their size, location, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Vision problems
• Weakness or numbness in the face or limbs
• Dizziness or imbalance
• Seizures
• Memory loss
• Cognitive or personality changes
• Speech difficulties.

Who is at risk of developing glioma?

Anyone can develop a glioma. They can occur at any age but are more common in adults over the age of 65 and children less than 12 years of age. There is a slight male predominance. Genetic conditions such as Turcot syndrome or neurofibromatosis as well as a history of prior brain radiation are associated with an increased risk of developing a glioma.

How is glioma diagnosed?

A doctor will discuss your symptoms in detail and then perform a neurological examination. A head CT and/or brain MRI scan may be performed if a brain tumor is suspected.

How is glioma treated?

Treatment of gliomas is complex and depends on the tumor's type, size, location, and grade, as well as the patient's overall health.

Treatment options include:

Surgery: The primary treatment for most gliomas, aiming to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams to kill tumor cells or inhibit their growth, often used after surgery.

Chemotherapy: Involves drugs that target and kill cancer cells, sometimes used in combination with radiation.

Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs that target specific genetic mutations within the tumor.

Clinical Trials: Offer access to new and experimental treatments that are not yet widely available.

Palliative care: The aim of palliative care is to offer comfort, support and symptom relief to those with cancer.