A recurrent headache, a sudden seizure or paralysis in one portion of the body may occasionally indicate a problem in the brain. While there are various causes of these symptoms, they should not be disregarded, especially if they continue to worsen. You can read more about understanding headaches and common triggers for early awareness.
When doctors examine the brain they check for something called a glioma. It is a tumor that arises in the glial cells that nourish and protect nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. The growth rate of gliomas varies, and not all gliomas behave the same way. Some develop slowly, others can be more aggressive.
Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments of glioma can help patients and families know what to expect and when to seek medical guidance. Dr. Deepak Agrawal, a neurosurgeon, also addresses this problem and treatment alternatives in his medical guide.
What Exactly Is a Glioma?
The brain has numerous kinds of cells that work together to make it work. One such group is the glial cells. They assist the nerve cells and protect them and help the brain to perform properly.
Occasionally, these cells alter and develop abnormally, becoming a tumor. This is called a glioma.
Not all gliomas are the same. What they do depends on the type of cells involved, the location of the tumor and how fast it grows. Doctors evaluate these facts to identify the best course of treatment.
Types of glioma
There are various forms of gliomas. Common ones include:
- Astrocytomas: They arise from the star-shaped glial cells known as astrocytes. Depending on the type and grade they might grow slowly or fast.
- Oligodendrogliomas: These start in cells that produce the protective covering surrounding nerve fibers. They are generally located in the frontal lobes of the brain.
- Ependymomas: These start in the cells lining the fluid-filled cavities of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.
- Glioblastoma: This is an aggressive type of diffuse glioma that can grow and spread to surrounding brain tissue.
The kind and grade are important because they help doctors understand how the tumor can behave and what treatments are likely to be most effective.
What Causes Gliomas?
One of the most frequent queries patients ask is “Why did this happen to me?”
In most cases, the actual source of the glioma is not known. However, doctors have discovered that if the DNA of the glial cells mutates, the cells might develop abnormally.
Some of the factors connected to an increased risk include:
- Genetic alterations: Certain alterations in genes can impact the growth and division of cells.
- Family history and hereditary disorders: You are more likely to develop some brain tumors if you have rare conditions such as neurofibromatosis and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
- Radiation exposure: Exposure to high-dose ionizing radiation, especially radiation therapy to the head, is a documented risk factor.
However, having a risk factor does not guarantee that a person will definitely develop a glioma. Most patients diagnosed with gliomas have no apparent family history or obvious cause. There is no known lifestyle approach that can totally prevent these tumors either.
Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Glioma
The symptoms of glioma can vary from one person to another. This is because symptoms depend on where the tumor is, how big it is and whether it affects surrounding parts of the brain.
Some of the warning indicators are:
- Frequent or worsening headaches: If a headache happens often or the intensity increases over time, it is important to see a doctor.
- Seizures: A person may suddenly have uncontrolled movements, shaking or loss of awareness (explore epilepsy and seizure differences).
- Memory issues: They could have difficulty remembering things or focusing on everyday duties.
- Weakness or numbness: If a tumor is pressing on parts of the brain that control movement or feeling, it may produce weakness or numbness in one arm, one leg or one side of the body.
- Changes in vision or speech: Some persons may report blurry vision, difficulties speaking or problems understanding words.
- Nausea and vomiting: A tumor or swelling might make the pressure inside the skull higher.
- Changes in personality: The person may act differently, mood swings may occur or the person may become confused.
These symptoms don’t always signify a person has a glioma. Other health issues can create the same concerns. However, new seizures, growing headaches, or unexplained changes in movement, speech or memory should be evaluated by a physician.
How Is a Glioma Diagnosed?
Doctors need to know the specific type, size and location of the tumor before deciding on treatment.
The diagnosis usually takes a few steps:
- Neurological Examination: The doctor tests the patient’s vision, hearing, balance, reflexes, muscle strength, speech and memory.
- MRI scan: An MRI takes comprehensive photos of the brain and helps doctors to find the tumor.
- CT scan: In some cases, a CT scan may also be used to look at the brain.
- Biopsy: In many circumstances, a tiny sample of the tumor tissue is extracted and evaluated in a laboratory (biopsy for brain). This helps to identify the type of the tumor and its features.
- Molecular testing: Some tests seek for alterations in the genes of the tumor. This can help physicians in classifying the glioma and in planning therapy.
Not all patients require the same testing. The doctor will determine as per the findings in the scan and the condition of the patient.
What Are the Treatment Options for Glioma?
Glioma treatment varies on the tumour’s kind, grade, location, size, and the patient’s overall health. A treatment plan can involve one or more of the following options.
1. Brain operation
Surgery is often an important component in the treatment of gliomas. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as feasible while conserving healthy brain tissue and vital functions such as speech and movement.
But you can’t always get rid of everything. Some gliomas expand into surrounding healthy brain tissue or are in locations that govern essential body systems. In such circumstances the surgeon may remove only the portion that may be safely removed or do a biopsy.
2. Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy damages the cells of the tumor and controls their growth using high-energy radiation. It may be suggested after surgery or when surgery is not suitable.
3. Chemo
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy tumor cells or slow down the way they grow. Treatment depends on the kind and grade of glioma. The drugs and timing of treatment rely on the type and grade of glioma.
4. Targeted Therapeutics
In some gliomas, particular molecular changes can be addressed with certain drugs. These treatments are only suitable for chosen patients, based on the test results of the tumor.
For some slow-growing tumors that don’t require immediate treatment, doctors may also recommend routine MRI scans.
Why Does Choosing the Right Neurosurgeon Matter?
Treating a glioma is more than simply taking out a tumor. It’s also about keeping the brain functions that allow a person to talk, walk, think and do daily activities.
That is why rigorous examination of treatment planning is necessary. The position of the tumor, its closeness to other parts of the brain and the patient’s condition are all critical factors.
Dr. Deepak Agrawal is a Neurosurgeon who specializes in disorders of the brain and spine including surgical therapy of brain tumors. Patients can read this Medical Guide on Brain Tumor Removal Surgery to know more about the ailment and treatment options.
Final Thoughts
A diagnosis of a glioma can be upsetting for the patient and his family. But knowing about the illness is a vital first step. Not all gliomas grow at the same rate, and treatment can differ from patient to patient.
If you have recurrent seizures, increasing headaches, unexplained weakness, or changes in speech or vision, visit a doctor. Early medical evaluation helps the doctors to identify the problem and plan the following steps.
With the correct diagnosis, treatment plan and continuous follow-up, patients can receive treatment tailored to their unique needs.
