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about glioma
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| Gliomas are primary tumors
that affect the brain and nervous system. Primary tumors
are those that originate in a specific location, such as
the brain, lungs, or breast. When primary tumors spread
to other areas of the body, they are referred to as metastatic
tumors. More information about metastatic brain
tumors is located at the end of this section. |
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| The term glioma refers to
any primary tumor that arises from the glial cells
in the brain and nervous system. Glial are not nerve cells.
Rather, they are cells that have various roles in supporting
and protecting nerve cells. There are several types of glial
cells. Those that are most likely to be affected by glioma
tumors are: |
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Astrocytes –
star shaped cells located through out the brain |
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Oligodendrocytes – cells
that form the myelin sheath around branched portions (axons)
of nerve cells |
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Ependymal cells – cells
that line cavities in the brain and CNS |
How common are glioma tumors?
Gliomas are a relatively rare form of cancer. Overall, brain and
central nervous system tumors occur in approximately 6.7% per
100,000 people; about half of these are gliomas.
What are the symptoms of glioma?
Symptoms of brain tumors, including gliomas, may include:
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Headaches |
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Seizures |
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Difficulty speaking |
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Inability to concentrate or think
clearly |
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Memory problems |
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Personality changes |
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Loss of balance or weakness in
part of the body |
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Vision disturbances |
How are Gliomas diagnosed?
Because symptoms of glioma can be vague and suggestive of numerous
conditions, diagnosis is usually made in steps. The initial step
is a neurologic exam. If findings suggest a possible brain tumor,
an MRI or CT scan of the brain will be performed. If a tumor or
tumors are seen in the scan, a biopsy or surgical resection is
usually performed. This may be done during surgery to remove some
or all of the tumor or as a closed procedure using a long, thin
needle to obtain a sample of the tumor. A biopsy involves examining
the tumor cells through a microscope. This helps identify the
type and severity of the brain tumor.
MRI Image of Gliomas
(arrows indicate location of tumors)
Glioma Types and Treatment
There are several different types of gliomas. They are categorized
according to the type of glial cell from which the tumor arises:
• Astrocytoma
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Arise from astrocytes |
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The most common type of glioma |
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Tumors range from benign and slow
growing to malignant and very rapidly progressing |
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The most aggressive form of glioma
is a high-grade astrocytoma referred to as glioblastoma
multiforme, or glioblastoma |
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Treatment depends on the area
of the brain affected and severity of the tumor-type –
surgery and radiation are standard treatment for most types,
chemotherapy and other treatments may be used in severe cases |
• Oligodendroglioma
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Arise from oligodendrocytes
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Less common than astrocytomas |
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Tumors range from benign and slow
growing to malignant and rapidly progressing |
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Treatment depends on the area
of the brain affected and severity of the tumor-type –
surgery and radiation are standard treatment for most types,
chemotherapy and other treatments may be used in more severe
cases |
• Ependymoma
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Arise from ependymal
cells |
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Less common than astrocytomas |
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Most tumors are benign and slow
growing and respond well to surgery and radiation therapy |
• Mixed glioma
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Arise from a mixture
of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes |
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Tumors range from slow growing
to malignant and rapidly progressive |
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Treatment depends on the area
of the brain affected and severity of the tumor-type –
surgery and radiation are standard treatment for most types,
chemotherapy and other treatments may be used in more severe
cases |
• Ganglioglioma
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Involve glial and
neuronal cells |
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The rarest form of glioma |
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Tumors are generally benign and
respond well to surgery |
In addition to gliomas, there are many other
types of primary brain tumors that affect different types of brain
cells and areas of the brain. As with gliomas, they range in grade
from benign and slow growing to malignant and aggressive and are
treated according to location in the brain and severity. Among
them are:
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Meningeal tumors |
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Pineal parenchymal tumors |
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Embryonal tumors |
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Neuronal tumors |
More information about these and other primary brain tumor types
is available at The
National Brain Tumor Foundation.
Metastatic brain tumors are the most common form
of brain tumor. In the US alone, there are an estimated 100,000
new cases diagnosed each year.
Unlike primary brain tumors, metastatic brain tumors
are tumors that spread to the brain from a different location
in the body. The most common cancers associated with brain metastases
are lung, colon, breast, and melanoma, as well as lymphoma. Most
often, metastatic brain tumors occur in multiple areas of the
brain, although some occur as solitary tumors.
Treatment for metastatic brain tumors varies
based on the location and the number of tumors present. Surgery
to remove some or all of the tumorous tissue, radiation, and/or
radiosurgery are the standard methods for treatment. Clinical
trials are currently being conducted to investigate the effects
of chemotherapies and radiation enhancers in metastatic brain
tumors. TransMolecular, Inc. is currently enrolling patients in
clinical trials testing  I-TM-601
in treatment of high grade glioma tumors. For more information
about these trials, click
here.
More information about metastatic tumors can
be found at The
National Brain Tumor Foundation.
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