When we hear the word "brain tumor" or "brain tumor," everyone is a little shocked. That's quite reasonable. But rather than being afraid, it's much more important to be properly informed about these things. Because only then can we best deal with these situations. Today we're going to talk about Astrocytoma, one of the most common types of brain cancer. Let's see what it is, what are the symptoms, and what are the treatments for it.
What exactly is Astrocytoma?
Simply put, an astrocytoma is a tumor, or cancer, that can develop in our brain and spinal cord. It gets its name because these tumors develop from cells called astrocytes in our brain. These cells are shaped like stars. That's why the "astro" part of the name comes from it.
Astrocytoma is the most common type of glioma, a large group of brain tumors. In fact, it accounts for about 50% of all primary brain tumors. It is more common in men than in women, especially after the age of 45. However, some types can also develop in young children.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
As the tumor grows inside the brain, it puts pressure on different parts of the brain. That's when symptoms start to appear. These symptoms depend on where the tumor is in the brain and how big it is.
The most important thing is to see a doctor immediately if you continue to have one or more of these symptoms, without dismissing them as something normal.
These are some of the most common early symptoms:
| Symptom | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Headache | This is not like a normal headache. It can be a persistent, severe headache that is sometimes worse when you wake up in the morning, and doesn't go away even with medication. |
| Vision problems | Vision may become blurred or you may see things as if they are two or three. |
| Seizures | Having a seizure for the first time in life can be a key symptom of this disease. |
| Memory loss and behavioral changes | Things like forgetting things you remember well, getting angry, and personality changes can occur. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Persistent nausea and vomiting without any particular reason are also a symptom. |
Astrocytoma Grades & Types
Like other cancers, astrocytomas are classified into stages (grades) based on the nature of their cells and how fast they grow. This is measured on a scale from I to IV (one to four).
- Grade I: These are the least severe, self-growing types.
- Grade II: This stage is still developing, but it can progress to a higher stage over time.
- Stage III (Grade III): These are aggressive cancers that grow rapidly and spread to surrounding tissues.
- Stage IV (Grade IV): These are the most severe and rapid type.
Most astrocytomas in adults are high-grade, meaning the cells grow abnormally and rapidly.
Let us further understand these main types from the table below.
| Type | Grade | A brief explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Anaplastic Astrocytoma | Grade III | These are rare, and they spread quickly. Like the arms of an octopus, they extend deep into the brain, making them difficult to completely remove with surgery. |
| Glioblastoma | Grade IV | These are also called Grade IV astrocytomas. They account for more than 50% of astrocytomas. They spread very quickly and are challenging to treat. |
| Diffuse Astrocytoma | Grade II | Even if it spreads to surrounding tissue, it grows very slowly. However, over time, it can become more severe and become Grade III or IV. |
| Pilocytic Astrocytoma | Grade I | These are less severe because they are Grade I. They are most commonly seen in children and young adults. |
What are the treatments for this?
The treatment plan depends on the type of astrocytoma you have, its stage, location in the brain, how fast it is growing, and your symptoms. This decision is made after careful discussion between you and your doctor .
There are several main treatment methods:
Surgery
Often, the first step is surgery to remove all or as much of the tumor as possible. A Grade I tumor can be completely cured with surgery alone. However, in advanced tumors, further treatment is needed after surgery.
Radiation Therapy
This treatment is used to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery. This treatment uses high-energy rays.
Chemotherapy
This involves giving the body drugs that kill cancer cells. These can be taken as pills or given as injections. This treatment is most often used for advanced stages of cancer, such as glioblastoma. Sometimes, during surgery, drug-soaked wafers can be placed in the tumor site.
Targeted Therapy
This is a relatively new treatment. Unlike chemotherapy, this one targets specific proteins that help cancer cells grow and stops them from working.
Electric-field Therapy
This is also a new technology. What is done in this is to attach electrodes to the skull and send an electric field through it to stop cancer cells from dividing. The advantage of this is that healthy cells are not harmed. The device used for this is called Optune.
Take-Home Message
- Astrocytoma is a common type of brain cancer. Rather than being afraid of it, it's important to be well-informed.
- Never ignore symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes, or first-time seizures. See your doctor immediately.
- There are different types and stages (grades) of this disease, and treatment methods are determined accordingly.
- In addition to traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, there are now modern treatments such as targeted therapies.
- You and your doctor will decide together on the best treatment plan for you, so be open and honest with your doctor about everything.
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