Also known as: mixed glioma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, optic glioma, gliomatosis cerebri
What is glioma?
Glioma is a form of cancer that develops from glial cells of the brain - those cells which support and nourish the neurons.
Gliomas can vary depending the type of glial cell found:
They also vary depending on their location (brainstem/optic nerve/spine or other part of the brain), and on their grade (depending on how normal or abnormal the cells appear):
- low grade tumors (grades 1 and 2; 66%; localized and grow slowly)
- higher grade (3 and 4 grow faster)
What causes glioma?
Cause is unknown, though it appears that some genetic disorders increase the likelihood of their development.
What are the symptoms of glioma?
Symptoms will vary depending on the exact type of glioma, its size and location. Some common symptoms include seizures, headaches, speech problems, numbness or weakness in the face, legs or arms.
What are glioma care options?
Treatments may include all or some of, surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, chemotherapy (before or after surgery), and radiation therapy.
Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP
This page was last updated on: December 16, 2020 02:22 PM
Learn more about
Glioma is a form of cancer that develops in the glial cells of the brain. Low-grade glioma refers to a grade 1 or grade 2 glioma that is highly treatable.
An Astrocytoma is a form of brain tumor that develops in the cells that form the supportive tissue of the brain.
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a rare brain tumor that grows in the upper parts of the brain from brain cells called astrocytes. Very rarely it may develop into cancer.
Hereditary Paraganglioma-Pheochromocytoma Syndrome
Children with hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma syndrome are often under frequent monitoring due to their high risk of developing cancer. The presence of the tumors, often in large numbers, is the primary sign of this disease.
Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment. It refers to exposing the body to beams of radiation that are used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from coming back.
Chemotherapy is a common form of cancer treatment. It refers to drugs that are often used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from coming back.