Glioma (Brain Cancer)

Glioma is a term describing different types of cancer growths that originate in the brain or spine as the more common site for glioma is the brain. The specific glioma type is classified by the cell type it developed in, the grade of malignancyA tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse (In the case of cancer tumors: to grow and spread to other organs). and the location of the tumor.

There are four main types of Glioma:

• Astrocytoma – The tumor originates in glial brain cells that are star-shaped. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common type of this cancer.
• Ependymoma – A tumor that develops in the cells encircling the ventricles or the spine canal. These tumors are more common among children and young adults.
• Oligodendroglioma – A rare tumor that originates in the cells responsible for insulation of nerve cells in the central nerve system. This type of tumor develops primarily in adults.
• Brainstem Glioma – Tumors that originate in the lower part of the brain. A cancer that primarily develops in children and middle aged adults.

Glioma tumors have a few shared characteristics as they all have a tendency to spread through components of healthy tissue, a tendency to relapse after treatment, they upgrade in cancer stages as time progresses and they also share inability to spread beyond the central nerve system.

Brain Tumor Removal Surgery

Glioma Symptoms

The glioma symptoms might differ depending on which part of the brain or central nervous system the tumor is growing in. Brain glioma symptoms may include:

• Headaches (tend to be stronger in the morning)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in your speech, hearing or sight
• Changes in your personality, memory, ability to concentrate

Spinal cord gliomas can cause pain, weakness and a tingling feeling or numbness in the extremities. These types of cancer can sometime also cause muscle spasms and shaking.

Glioma Treatments

The specific glioma tumor treatment will depend on the location of the cancer, the cell type it developed in and the grade of malignancy. The brain cancer treatments usually combine surgery (removal of the tumor), chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

When diagnosed with a brain tumor, the first resort will be surgery aiming to remove the tumor, unless the growth is located in an area which is inoperable. This will lead to different types of treatments. Spinal cord tumors, on the other hand, can be treated by surgery and radiation.

There are other experimental treatments and medications for these kinds of tumors as you should consult you oncologist about them and see if they might be suitable for the specific condition.

Glioma Treatments Abroad

Given a diagnosis of glioma, one will want to begin treatments immediately as these treatments may require surgery in the most critical organs in the human body. TicketMed is affiliated to the best oncologists around the world, working with the most advanced technology. Contact us or ask for a quote to start treatments as soon as possible.