What is a brain glioma and its prognosis?
Glioma is a brain tumor that develops in the brain and spinal cord. These tumors arise from the slimy support that surrounds nerve cells and helps them function. Within their classification, they are divided into the type of cell they affect and depending on the tumor’s genetic characteristics. According to this classification, there are three types of gliomas:
- Astrocytomas
- Ependymomas
- Oligodendrogliomas
- Glioblastoma
Prognosis of the disease
The prognosis for gliomas is good if they are treated early and are small. Gliomas that are larger have a worse expectation since the treatment can take longer.
Symptoms of brain gliomas
Symptoms can vary depending on the tumor type, size, location, and growth rate. The most common include:
- Headache
- nausea and vomiting
- Memory loss
- personality changes
- urinary incontinence
- Vision problems
- speech difficulties
- seizures
- Decreased brain power
Medical tests for brain gliomas
The Neurology specialist will perform an examination and blood tests. In addition, the following tests may be requested:
- A neurological exam assesses hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. If any of these points are found to have issues, the area of the brain affected by the tumor can be assessed.
- Imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose brain tumors.
- Tests to detect tumors in other parts of the body
- Biopsy of abnormal tissue
What are the causes of brain gliomas?
The causes of a glioma are unknown, although risk factors can increase the chance of developing a glioma. These factors are age, radiation exposure, and family history of glioma.
Can it be prevented?
It is not possible to prevent brain tumors, and there are no measures to prevent them. However, it is recommended to avoid unnecessary radiation and contact with chemical substances, follow a varied diet, and exercise regularly.
Treatments for brain gliomas
The treatment for glioma will depend on the type, size, location, and condition of the patient, age, health status, etc. In addition to the removal measures, the specialist may recommend taking some medication to reduce the symptoms of the tumor. The following are the most typical therapies for this type of tumor:
- Surgery to remove cancer as much as possible. It is easy to remove when the cancer is small as it can be easily separated from the brain tissue. When a tumor is close to the nerves that link to the eye, it becomes more problematic since vision loss is dangerous.
- Radiation therapy is the next step after surgery, especially in large gliomas.
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. They can be administered orally or intravenously.
- Specific abnormalities within cancer cells are targeted by drug therapy.
What specialist treats you?
The specialist who treats this pathology is the neurologist.
