The word 'brain tumor' or 'brain cancer' makes you shiver, doesn't it? It's a really scary word. But when we are fully aware of all this, we can reduce that fear to a great extent. Today we are talking about a type of cancer called glioma, which can occur in the brain and spinal cord. Let's see what it really is, why it develops, what are the symptoms, and what treatments are available.
What exactly is Glioma?
Simply put, glioma is a general name for a group of cancers that start in the 'glial cells' in our brain and spinal cord. These glial cells are a very important type of cell that supports, protects, and nourishes our nerve cells. So, a glioma forms when these cells start to grow out of control.
The symptoms, prognosis, and treatment of this type of cancer can vary from person to person. This depends on your age, the type of cancer, the genetic markers (biomarkers) it has, and where in the brain the tumor is located. Some types of gliomas grow very quickly and spread into normal brain tissue. When this happens, it is very difficult to completely remove with surgery, and sometimes it may not be possible at all.
Glioblastomas are the most common type of cancerous brain tumor in adults. They occur more often in older people and are slightly more common in men.
What are the risk factors that contribute to these developing?
This is a problem that many people have. Several major risk factors have been identified that contribute to the development of glioma.
- Previous radiation therapy: Previous radiation therapy to the brain is a risk factor for developing aggressive types of gliomas.
- Head injuries: Head trauma is also considered a risk factor to some extent.
- Genetic conditions: Although some genetic conditions increase the risk of developing this cancer in children, it is very rare in adults.
Many people are worried that their lifestyle habits may have caused this. But remember, there is no proven link between lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, or cell phone use and malignant glioma. So don't worry unnecessarily about it.
Main types and grades of glioma
Glioma is a type of cancer that is classified by the type of glial cell it originates from and how fast it grows. In simple terms, it can be divided into two main types: "slow-growing" (low-grade) and "fast-growing" (high-grade). Let's look at some of the main types.
| Type of glioma | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Astrocytomas | These start in cells called astrocytes. They often spread into the brain tissue, making them difficult to completely cure. They are graded from 1 to 4. Grade 1 is the slowest growing, and Grade 4 is the fastest and most severe type. |
| Oligodendrogliomas | These start in cells called oligodendrocytes. Some grow slowly, but can spread to surrounding tissue. Sometimes these can be cured. High-grade types spread quickly and are difficult to cure. |
| Glioblastomas | These are very aggressive cancers that arise in the early stages of glial cells. They are always grade 4. This is the most aggressive and fastest-growing type of brain cancer seen in adults. |
| Ependymomas | These are also a type of glioma. Since they don't invade the brain tissue like other types, they can be very successful if completely removed with surgery. However, they can spread through the cerebrospinal fluid. |
Cancer grade and genetic markers
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, these cancers are graded based on how the cancer cells look under a microscope and their genetic profile. The presence of certain genetic changes (e.g., `IDH mutation`, `1p/19q co-deletion`) indicates that the cancer responds well to certain treatments. These are complex issues, so your doctor will explain these to you.
Do you also have these symptoms?
The symptoms of glioma vary depending on where the brain tumor is located. For example, you may have a headache that is different from a normal headache and seems to get worse day by day. Or you may suddenly have a seizure. These are the main symptoms.
Most common symptoms:
- Headache: About half of people with brain cancer have this symptom.
- Seizures: Sudden onset of seizures for no apparent reason.
- Memory loss: Forgetting recent events.
- Physical weakness: numbness in one arm or leg, inability to control muscles.
- Vision problems: blurred vision, double vision.
- Speech difficulties: slurring words while speaking, inability to remember the right word.
- Personality changes: Behavioral changes such as sudden anger and agitation.
As the cancer grows, these symptoms can gradually worsen as it destroys brain cells, compresses parts of the brain, and causes the brain to swell.
How do doctors diagnose this? (Diagnosis)
If a brain tumor is suspected, the first thing the doctor will do is order a brain scan.
1. Scans: A `CT` scan or an `MRI` scan is used for this. The `MRI` scan can obtain clearer images.
2. Biopsy: If the scan confirms that there is a tumor, a small piece of it is taken and tested to find out exactly what type of cancer it is. We call this a 'biopsy'. If surgery is being performed, this piece can be taken at the same time. If the tumor is deep in the brain and cannot be operated on, a special procedure called `stereotactic needle biopsy` is used to make a small hole in the skull and pass a needle through it to obtain a tissue sample.
What are the treatments for this?
There are several treatment options for glioma. The choice of treatment depends on the type, grade, location, genetic markers (biomarkers) of the cancer, and the patient's age and overall health.
- Surgery: The primary goal is to remove the tumor as safely as possible. Removing as much of the tumor as possible without damaging vital brain functions (speech, movement) can reduce symptoms and control the spread of the disease.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Giving drugs (via pills or injections) that stop the growth of cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: These are different from regular chemotherapy. These are modern drugs that target and attack specific proteins or genetic markers that help cancer cells grow.
- Alternating Electric-Field Therapy: This is a new treatment method. Electrodes are placed on the surface of the skull and a low-intensity electric field is applied, which destroys cancer cells without harming normal cells. A device called ``Optune Gio`` is used for this.
- Supportive Therapy: Treatment given to control symptoms. For example, corticosteroids to reduce brain swelling and anticonvulsants to control seizures.
- Clinical Trials: Research that tests the effectiveness and safety of new treatments. Some patients may be able to participate in these.
Treatment also varies depending on the type of cancer. For example, surgery is the main treatment for low-grade astrocytoma. However, high-grade glioblastoma requires a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Remember, all of these decisions are made by a medical team led by your doctor. So if you have any questions about anything, don't be afraid to ask them.
Take-Home Message
- Glioma is a type of cancer that begins in the supporting cells of the brain and spinal cord.
- If you experience symptoms such as frequent, unusual headaches, unexplained seizures, memory loss, or weakness in a part of your body, see a doctor immediately.
- Lifestyle habits such as cell phone use, smoking, and alcohol consumption have not been proven to cause this cancer. So don't be unnecessarily afraid of it.
- Treatment methods (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) are determined by doctors based on the type and grade of cancer and the patient's condition.
- Although the cure rate for high-grade gliomas is low, better outcomes can be achieved based on modern treatments and the patient's genetic markers.
- If you have any doubts , it is best and safest to talk openly with your doctor rather than searching the internet about it.
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