Glioma

Your nerves help you do everyday activities, like remembering your morning routine and helping you physically get out of bed. These nerves are surrounded by glial cells, which are the “glue” that helps them work properly to support and maintain brain function.

Infection can cause damage and, in some cases, lead to common brain tumors called gliomas. We recognize the different types of glioma by where they originated, placing them into groups called grades, based on where the tumor began.

Grades help us determine how to best care for gliomas. Your glioma will fall between grade 1 (low grade) through 4 (high grade). The lower grades are the least severe and move slowly. The higher grades tend to spread and move quickly, requiring aggressive care.

The three main types of glioma tumors are:

Astrocytomas

Astrocytomas are the most severe form of glioma, because they spread through the brain and can’t always be cured. These tumors develop in star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes that help nerve cells with basic processes like storing energy and repairing tissue.

Ependymomas

These gliomas are rare and usually found in the spinal cord. Because ependymomas tend to stay in one region, they can often be treated with surgery.

Oligodendrogliomas

This type of glioma develops in glial cells called oligodendrocytes, which produce fatty protein called myelin that insulates nerves and helps transport impulses. Oligodendrogliomas grow slowly and often spread throughout the brain into the frontal and temporal lobes.

Experts are working to understand what causes brain tumors. Some factors that increase your risk for developing a glioma tumor include:

• Age: people older than 45 are more likely to develop a glioma tumor
• Exposure to radiation: effects from previous radiation therapy increase risk of glioma
• Family history: you’re at higher risk of developing glioma if you have a family member who’s had the disease

Glioma tumor symptoms vary depending on your glioma’s type, size and progression, and may include:

• Balance problems
• Cognitive decline or confusion
• Headache
• Impaired speech
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Nausea
• Personality changes
• Poor balance
• Seizures
• Speech difficulties
• Urinary incontinence
• Vision changes
• Vomiting

Most glioma diagnoses begin with a visit to your primary care physician. After an initial screening, your family doctor may refer you to a neurology specialist for testing that may include:

• Biopsy: suspicious cells are removed for testing and a pathologist will study this sample to determine what kind of cancer is present
• Imaging: allows your neurosurgeon to take radiographic images of the suspicious area to clearly visualize even the smallest of regions

A neurological exam can help your doctors further evaluate a suspected tumor or other neurological condition. During a neurological exam, your doctor will assess your:

• Balance
• Coordination
• Growth and development (in pediatric patients)
• Hearing
• Reflexes
• Vision

Imaging Tests

An imaging test can confirm the presence, size and location of a tumor in the brain. Your doctor may order X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans to make an accurate glioma diagnosis.

If it’s suspected that cancer has spread to other areas of the body, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan will also be ordered.

Biopsy

A biopsy of a tumor will help your doctor better understand its type, size and grade. During a biopsy of a glioma tumor, your surgeon will drill a very small hole in your skull and insert a thin, hollow needle. This needle collects a small sample of cells in and around the tumor, which is sent to a laboratory for pathologists to review. The findings from the biopsy will help tailor a glioma treatment plan based on your unique needs.