About Gliomas
Brain tumor education is essential when you're facing a diagnosis, and we're here to help answer every question you have along the way, starting with the basics about glioma.
Glioma is a general term for tumors that start in glial cells. About 3 in 10 of all brain tumors — and most of the fast-growing ones — are gliomas. Several tumors can be considered gliomas, including astrocytomas (which include glioblastomas), ependymomas and oligodendrogliomas. Learn more about common glioblastoma symptoms and risk factors below.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Gliomas
The symptoms of glioma vary by tumor type as well as the tumor's size, location and rate of growth.
Common signs and symptoms of gliomas include:
- Confusion or a decline in brain function
- Difficulty with balance
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Personality changes or irritability
- Seizures, especially in someone without a history of seizures
- Speech difficulties
- Urinary incontinence
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision
Like most primary brain tumors, the exact cause of gliomas is not known, but researchers are working hard to find answers. However, we do know that some factors may increase your risk of a brain tumor. Risk factors include:
- Exposure to radiation
- Family history of glioma
- Older age
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