Do you often get headaches? Maybe your vision is a little blurry, or your memory is a little hazy? We often dismiss these as just fatigue from overwork or a normal headache. But sometimes they can be important signals from our body. Today we are going to talk about a relatively common type of tumor that can form in the brain and spinal cord. This is medically called an astrocytoma .
Simply put, what is Astrocytoma?
Okay, let's explain this simply. Our brain is made up of different types of cells. Among these, there is a very special type of cell called astrocytes , which are shaped like stars. The main function of these cells is to support other nerve cells in the brain and help them function. So, for some reason, when these astrocyte cells start dividing and growing uncontrollably, a tumor is formed there. We call those tumors astrocytomas.
These are the main type of brain tumor called glioma . In fact, they account for about 50% of all primary brain tumors. The condition is slightly more common in men than women, and is most common after the age of 45.
What are the symptoms of this?
As the tumor grows inside the brain, it begins to push on surrounding brain tissue. That's when symptoms begin to appear. These symptoms depend on where the tumor is in the brain and how big it is. Common early symptoms include:
- Frequent and persistent headaches: This is not like a normal headache, it can be a little more severe and persistent.
- Blurred vision or double vision.
- Sudden seizures.
- Memory loss or confusion: You may forget even familiar things.
- Nausea and vomiting: This condition can be seen especially in the morning.
- Changes in behavior and personality: Changes such as becoming more angry and agitated than before.
If you have had one or more of these symptoms for a long time, it is very important to see a doctor immediately and seek advice, rather than assuming that "this is normal."
Astrocytoma Grades & Types
Like other types of tumors, astrocytomas are graded from I to IV based on the abnormal nature of their cells and how fast they grow. Grade IV is the most aggressive, meaning it grows the fastest. Most astrocytomas seen in adults are high-grade, meaning the cells grow abnormally fast.
Let us learn more clearly about these main types from the table below.
| Tumor Type | Grade | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| Pilocytic Astrocytoma and Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma | Grade I | These are the least aggressive types, grow slowly, and are most commonly seen in children and young adults. |
| Diffuse Astrocytoma | Grade II | Although it can grow into surrounding tissue, the growth rate is slow. However, it can sometimes become a high-grade tumor over time. |
| Anaplastic Astrocytoma | Grade III | These are rare but fast-growing tumors that are difficult to completely remove surgically because they can grow into surrounding brain tissue like the tentacles of an octopus. |
| Glioblastoma (or Grade IV Astrocytoma) | Grade IV | This is the most aggressive and common type. It grows very quickly and is challenging to treat because it is a mixture of different cancer cell types. |
| Other rare varieties | Different grades | Additionally, these tumors can occur in the pineal gland, which produces the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, or in the brain stem. However, these are very rare. |
What are the treatment options?
The best thing is, there are a number of treatments for this condition. Your doctor and team of specialists will determine the best treatment plan based on the type and grade of your tumor, its location, and your symptoms.
- Surgery: The first step is often surgery to remove all or as much of the tumor as possible. Grade I tumors can sometimes be completely cured with surgery alone. However, higher-grade tumors require further treatment after surgery.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is used to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery or if the tumor is in a location that is too dangerous to operate on.
- Chemotherapy: This treatment is often used for high-grade tumors such as glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma. It is given before or after radiation therapy. Sometimes, small wafers containing chemotherapy drugs are placed in the tumor during surgery.
- Targeted Therapy: This is a relatively new treatment. Unlike chemotherapy, this works by targeting specific proteins that help the tumor grow and stopping their activity.
- Electric-field Therapy: This is also a very modern method. Electrodes are attached to the scalp and an electric field is used to target and destroy only cancer cells without harming normal cells. The device used for this is called Optune .
Take-Home Message
- Astrocytoma is a common type of brain tumor, but there's no need to be afraid of it.
- Never ignore symptoms such as persistent headaches, vision changes, or seizures.
- If you have any of these symptoms, don't wait and see a doctor immediately . The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.
- There are now many modern treatment methods available for this, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
- If you or someone you know has this condition, it is also very important for them to be mentally strong.
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