What is Astrocytoma? Let's learn about these tumors that form in the brain in a simple way.

Do you often get headaches? Do you vomit? Or do you feel like your memory is gradually decreasing, or your words are slurred when you speak? Although these things can happen for normal reasons, rarely, they can be symptoms of a brain tumor. So today we are going to talk about a type of tumor that forms in the brain and spinal cord, called 'Astrocytoma'. Don't worry, let's understand everything about this simply.

Simply put, what is Astrocytoma?

Astrocytoma is a type of tumor that can develop in our central nervous system (CNS) , which is mainly in the brain, but sometimes in the spinal cord. These tumors develop from a special type of star-shaped cell in our brain called an 'astrocyte'. These astrocyte cells are a type of cell that acts as a support for other nerve cells in the brain, nourishing and protecting them. An astrocytoma tumor forms when these cells start to grow uncontrollably.

Astrocytoma is the most common type of brain tumor called glioma.

Are there types and grades of Astrocytoma?

Yes, the World Health Organization (WHO) has divided Astrocytoma tumors into four main grades (Grades 1-4) based on their growth rate and ability to spread to surrounding tissues. Grade 1 is the least severe, and Grade 4 is the most severe and rapidly spreading.

Let's understand these with a table.

Who is most likely to get this disease?

Astrocytoma can develop at any age, but different grades are more common in different age groups.

• Grade 1: Common among children and young adults.
• Grade 2: Most common in adults between the ages of 20 and 60.
• Grade 3: Common in adults between 30 and 60 years old.
• Grade 4 (Glioblastoma): Common among adults between 50 and 80 years old.

Men are slightly more likely to develop severe (grade 3 and 4) astrocytomas.

What are the symptoms of this?

Symptoms depend on the size of the tumor and its location in the brain. Because different parts of the brain control different functions in our body, when the tumor puts pressure on that part, the symptoms related to that part appear.

Here are some common symptoms.

What are the causes of astrocytoma?

In fact, the exact cause of most astrocytomas is still unknown . They often occur sporadically, without any apparent cause. However, there are two risk factors that researchers have identified.

1. Radiation Exposure: Radiation therapy to the head, especially as a child, for another cancer may increase the risk of developing astrocytoma later in life.

2. Rare Genetic Conditions: Some rare, inherited genetic conditions may increase the risk of developing Astrocytoma. Examples:

• Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
• Tuberous sclerosis
• Turcot syndrome

How to diagnose the disease?

When you go to the doctor, he will first listen carefully to your symptoms and examine you, especially a neurological exam.

After that, you may be referred for several tests to look inside the brain.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan: This is the best and clearest way to detect brain tumors.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: This test is performed when an MRI is not possible (e.g., if a pacemaker is implanted).

If this scan shows something abnormal in the brain, a biopsy is then performed to find out exactly what type of tumor it is. This involves surgically removing a small piece of the tumor and examining it under a microscope. Sometimes, this tissue is taken during the same surgery (resection) that completely removes the tumor.

What are the treatments?

Treatment is determined by several factors, including the type (grade) of the tumor, its size, its location in the brain, your age, and your overall health. Neurologists, neurosurgeons, and oncologists usually work together to determine the best treatment plan.

The main treatment methods are:

1. Surgery

Surgery is the first treatment option whenever possible. This has several key advantages:

• A tissue sample can be obtained to accurately identify the type of tumor.
• You can reduce the pressure on the brain by removing as much of the tumor as possible.
• The symptoms that arise can be relieved.

If grade 1 astrocytoma tumors can be completely removed surgically, the disease can be completely cured.

2. Adjuvant Therapies

In severe cases (grades 2, 3, 4), additional treatments are needed to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

• Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy rays (such as X-rays) to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Giving drugs that kill cancer cells or stop their growth. `Temozolomide (TMZ)` is a commonly used drug for this.
• Tumor-treating fields: This is a special device worn like a helmet. The electric fields it emits control the growth of cancer cells. This may be recommended for glioblastoma (grade 4).
• Bevacizumab: This is a vaccine. It stops the formation of blood vessels that supply blood to the tumor, controlling tumor growth.

What is the prognosis of this disease?

The recovery and survival rate of the disease depends on several factors.

• Grade of the tumor: The condition may become more severe as the grade increases.
• The amount that can be removed surgically: If more of the tumor can be removed, the results will be better.
• Age: Younger people usually get better results.
• Overall health status: It is important that the patient's health status is good when the disease is diagnosed.

Usually,

• Grade 1: There is a possibility of survival of more than 10 years after surgery.
• Grade 2: More than 5 years.
• Grade 3: Between 2 and 5 years.
• Grade 4 (Glioblastoma): Usually about a year.