Glioma

What is Glioma

Glioma is a type of cancerous tumor that affects the brain. A tumor is formed when cells grow into an abnormal mass of tissue. Glioma tumors are made up of cells called glial cells.

Gliomas are named after the type of glial cell that is involved in the tumor. Three types of glial cells can produce tumors. Glial cells normally provide nutrition, oxygen, and structural support to the brain. Gliomas are one of the most common types of brain tumors that occur in adults.

The most common types of gliomas include:

• Astrocytomas.
• Glioblastoma. This may also be called glioblastoma multiforme.
• Ependymomas.
• Mixed glioma. This may also be called oligoastrocytoma.
• Oligodendrogliomas.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of this condition is not known.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

• People between the ages of 60–80 years.
• People who have been exposed to radiation, such as previous radiation therapy for cancer.
• People who have a family history of glioma.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition depend on the size, type, and location of the tumor. They include:

• Headache, which may be worse in the morning.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fatigue.
• Vision changes.
• Seizures.
• Speech problems.
• Balance problems.
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or in an arm or leg.
• Mood changes.
• Confusion.
• Change in personality.
• Problems with memory or thinking.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on your medical history and symptoms as well as a physical exam. You may also have other tests, including:

• A neurological exam.
• CT scan or MRI or other imaging tests of the brain.
• Tests to see if you have other types of tumors in other parts of the body.
• Biopsy of the tumor. This is when a sample of the tumor is removed with a needle and studied under a microscope.

If glioma is confirmed, it will be staged to determine its severity and extent. Staging is an assessment of:

• The size of the tumor.
• Whether the cancer has spread (metastasized).
• Where the cancer has spread.

How is this treated?

Treatment of this condition depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. Often, more than one type of treatment is used. Treatment may include:

• Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
• High-energy rays (radiation therapy) to help shrink or kill the tumor. There are different types of radiation therapy, including:
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy.
  • Proton beam therapy. This type of radiation uses protons instead of X-rays.
  • Stereotactic radiation therapy. This may also be called radiosurgery.
• Chemotherapy to shrink or kill the tumor. This may be given by injection or as a pill.
• Targeted therapy that uses substances that block the growth of cancer cells, or kill them with less damage to normal cells in the body.
• Steroid medicines to decrease brain swelling and improve symptoms.
• Medicines to treat or prevent seizures.

Your health care provider may also refer you to a physical, occupational, or speech therapist (or a combination of them) as a part of your treatment.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important. Your health care provider will monitor you closely to try to prevent the return of the cancer.

Where to find more information

• American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org  
• National Cancer Institute (NCI): https://www.cancer.gov  
• American Brain Tumor Association: http://www.abta.org  

Contact a health care provider if:

• Any of your symptoms come back.
• You cannot eat or drink.
• You are more weak or tired than usual.
• You lose weight without trying.

Get help right away if:

• You have a seizure.
• You have a fever.
• You have new symptoms, such as vision problems or difficulty walking.
• You have trouble breathing.

Summary

• A glioma is a tumor that is a type of brain cancer.
• Treatment with surgery and a combination of chemotherapy or radiation therapy or both is common.
• Because this type of cancer can return, it is important to tell your health care provider if you have new or unusual symptoms.
• You will be monitored closely for any signs of the cancer returning.