Treatment of Malignant Glioma
What is malignant glioma?
Malignant glioma is a growth of cells in the brain spinal cord. Cells in a glioma look similar to normal, healthy brain cells called glial cells. These cells surround the nerve cells and help them function. As a glioma grows, it develops into a tumor, and the tumor presses on the brain and spinal cord tissue causing symptoms. Many types of glioma exist. Some types of glioma grow slowly and are not considered cancerous (or malignant), while other types grow quickly and are considered cancerous. The four main types of glioma include the following:
- Astrocytoma: This starts as star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes and can range from slow-growing to aggressive.
- Ependymoma: The most aggressive forms of glioma and the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults.
- Glioblastoma: This affects children more than adults and is typically considered low-grade.
- Oligodendroglioma: This affects adults more than children and are rare, low-grade gliomas.
What are the risk factors for malignant glioma?
Gliomas are most commonly found in adults between the ages of 45 and 65 years old. Certain types of gliomas can be diagnosed in children and young adults. There is no known way to prevent glioma; however, factors that can increase the risk of glioma include:
- Being exposed to radiation.
- Having a family history of glioma.
How is malignant glioma diagnosed?
Your health care provider will diagnose a glioma by reviewing medical history and running tests. You will also be given a physical exam and neurological exam to assess potential glioma symptoms. If the health care provider suspects signs of glioma, further tests may include the following:
- Imaging tests: Like CT or PET scans, to detect signs of a tumor in the brain or spinal cord.
- Biopsy: Surgically removing a tissue sample to confirm diagnosis and determine type, grade, and treatment options.
- Molecular testing: Analyzes biopsy tissue to make a glioma diagnosis.
What are the signs of malignant glioma?
Symptoms depend on the location of the glioma, its size and how quickly it grows. Common symptoms of gliomas include:
- Headaches, particularly ones that hurt the most in the mornings.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Confusion or a decline in brain function.
- Memory loss.
- Personality changes or irritability.
- Vision problems.
- Speech difficulties.
- Seizures.
What are treatment options for malignant glioma?
The Neuro-Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute will design a treatment plan specific to your diagnosis. Surgery is often the first treatment for gliomas, when the tumor is accessible. Gliomas can be hard to remove entirely because they may be in hard-to-reach areas of the brain or spinal cord. Treatments for gliomas will vary based on the type, location, and based on how fast it is growing. You and your cancer care team will work together to decide on the best, personalized treatment plan for you.
Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.
Information about malignant glioma, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.