The brain is an amazing place in our body. There is another type of cell that helps and supports the nerve cells in the brain. These are called glial cells. Sometimes, these glial cells start to grow too much without control. That's when tumors, or as we call them, form in the brain or spinal cord. We call tumors that form in this way "glioma".
Gliomas are a type of primary tumor. This means that they grow directly in the brain or spinal cord, and have not spread from elsewhere in the body. They are a serious, potentially life-threatening type of tumor. But don't worry, there are good treatments available to manage this disease. Your doctor will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your body, health, and needs, and will explain to you the best course of action.
How are gliomas classified?
Doctors classify these gliomas based on how fast they grow. They look at several factors to do this.
- How fast is the tumor growing?
- How abnormal do the cells in the tumor look?
- How likely is this to spread?
Based on these factors, gliomas are classified into grades 1 to 4. Grade 1 is the slow-growing type. Grade 4 is the fastest-growing, most aggressive type. These are also divided into low-grade (grades 1 and 2) and high-grade (grades 3 and 4). If a low-grade glioma is detected and treated early, it can be controlled or prevented from becoming aggressive.
Gliomas are further classified according to the type of glial cells from which they arise. Let's look at the main types.
| Type of glioma | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Astrocytomas | These arise from star-shaped cells called astrocytes in our brains. They can range from slow-growing (low-grade) to fast-growing (high-grade) tumors. |
| Glioblastomas | This is the most aggressive and fastest-growing type of glioma (WHO grade 4). It is also the most common type of malignant brain cancer in adults. |
| Ependymomas | This type is more common in children than adults. These are usually low-grade tumors. |
| Oligodendrogliomas | These are a very rare, low-grade type of glioma. They are more common in adults than children. |
These names may sound a little complicated to you. But they help doctors understand exactly what's going on inside your body. Your doctor will explain it all to you in simple terms.
What are the symptoms of a glioma?
The symptoms of a glioma tumor vary depending on where in the brain or spinal cord it is located. For example, if a tumor is located in the part of the brain that controls speech, it may be difficult to speak. That's how it is. But there are some common symptoms.
The important thing is, don't be afraid that you have a glioma just because you have one or more of these symptoms. They can also occur in many other conditions. But if these symptoms persist, see a doctor immediately.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Headache | A long-lasting headache that is worse especially in the morning and does not respond to ordinary painkillers. |
| Vomiting and nausea | Nausea and vomiting that come on for no apparent reason. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden loss of vision. |
| Loss of body balance | Difficulty walking, dizziness, inability to maintain balance. |
| Seizures | Conditions such as sudden seizures. |
| Changes in behavior and personality | Sudden anger, sadness (depression), agitation, or a clear change in personality. |
| Difficulty speaking and thinking | Inability to put words together (aphasia), difficulty remembering, learning, or thinking. |
| Weakness on one side of the body | Numbness or weakness on one side of the body (Hemiparesis). |
What causes glioma? Are there any risk factors?
Simply put, gliomas are caused by genetic changes in glial cells. But doctors still don't know exactly why these changes occur.
This is not something we can prevent. However, seeing a doctor as soon as symptoms appear and seeking treatment can help you achieve better results.
Although anyone can develop glioma, certain factors may slightly increase the risk.
- Age: Most common in adults over 65 years of age and children under 12 years of age.
- Family history: If someone in your family has had brain or spinal cord cancer, your risk may be slightly increased due to genetic influences.
- Exposure to radiation or toxins: Long-term exposure to radiation or certain chemicals can also be a risk factor.
But don't worry , most of the time, no clear risk factor can be found for developing this glioma.
How does a doctor know if this is a glioma?
If you have these symptoms, a doctor will first ask about your medical history, perform a physical examination, and perform a neurological exam.
Then, you have to do some special tests to look inside the brain.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan: This can produce very clear images of the brain and spinal cord.
- CT (Computed Tomography) scan: This also takes cross-sectional images of the brain to check for a tumor.
If these scans show that there is a tumor, the next step is a biopsy . This means that a very small piece of tissue is taken from the tumor and examined under a microscope. This is what determines exactly what type of tumor it is and what its grade is.
In this situation, you will be referred to a neuro-oncologist for treatment.
What are the treatments for glioma?
The treatment method that is best for you will be determined by considering several factors.
- The type, size, and location of the glioma tumor.
- your age.
- Your overall health.
- Have you been treated for brain cancer before?
Usually, one or more of these methods are used together as treatment.
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
Surgery
In most cases, the first treatment is to remove the tumor through surgery. If the surgeon can, they will remove the entire tumor. However, sometimes gliomas develop in very sensitive, difficult-to-remove areas of the brain. In these cases, it may not be possible to remove them completely. A craniotomy, which is an operation that involves opening the skull, is the most common method.
In some cases, depending on the size and location of the tumor, a minimally invasive procedure called laser ablation may be performed. This involves using heat from a laser beam to destroy the tumor.
Radiation and chemotherapy treatments
After surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are given to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a type of medicine that stops cancer cells from growing and dividing. It is also used as the main treatment if the tumor is too advanced to be removed by surgery.
Are there any side effects of the treatment?
It is normal to have some side effects during cancer treatment. Some of them can last a long time. Ask your doctor about palliative care , which can help you manage these symptoms and the side effects of treatment. Common side effects include:
- Sleepiness and extreme fatigue (Cancer fatigue)
- Anemia (blood loss)
- Hair loss (especially during radiation treatment)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain
- Increased risk of infections (due to chemotherapy)
- Changes in thinking and memory
Talk openly with your medical team about any of these discomforts.
About the future and about living
The survival rate for someone living with glioma depends on several factors. The type of tumor, its grade, and the patient's age are among the most important. In general, the younger the age at which the disease is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better the outcome.
But remember, statistics are just general data. Your situation may or may not fit into those statistics. So don't panic or lose hope when you see these numbers. Your doctor will give you a clear picture of your situation.
Living with cancer is a huge challenge, both mentally and physically. Talk honestly with your medical team and your loved ones about how you are feeling. Seek counseling if necessary. Also, joining support groups with others who have had similar experiences can be a great source of strength for you and your family.
Take-Home Message
- Glioma is a type of primary tumor that occurs in the brain or spinal cord.
- If you have symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, vision changes, or behavioral changes, see a doctor immediately.
- An MRI or CT scan and biopsy are essential for diagnosis.
- One or more of the following treatments are used: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
- Don't try to go through this journey alone. Ask for help from your medical team, family, and friends. Talk openly about how you're feeling.
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