What Is A Glioma?

Until now, science does not know why a glioma forms. This is a tumor that arises in the brain or spinal cord, with an indeterminate evolution that depends on the area where it has developed and the type of tumor in question. Learn more in this article!

A glioma is a tumor that can appear in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors affect brain functions and are considered life threatening. Its severity depends on the exact place where they are located and the speed with which they begin to grow.

There are several types of glioma and, depending on their specific characteristics, each of them has a different treatment and prognosis. They have been noted to be one of the most common primary tumors to occur in the brain.

Currently, different types of treatment are available for gliomas. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or all of these procedures are used together. There are also different treatments that are in the process of experimentation.

What is a glioma?

In the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are neurons , which are highly specialized and differentiated cells. This means that each one of them only knows how to perform its own function, which consists of receiving information and then preparing and issuing it.

In order for them to function properly, they have other cells around them. These serve as support, provide them with energy and collect waste substances that are generated during the processes carried out by neurons. The cells that carry out these tasks are collectively known as glia.

The cells that make up the glia are also of different types : astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells, etc. Tumors form when there is an abnormal increase in these types of cells and are known as gliomas.

Types of glioma

Sometimes these tumors are benign, growing very slowly and minimally invasive in normal tissue. Other times, very aggressive tumors are generated, which grow very easily and expand rapidly.

In principle, and according to their severity, gliomas are classified into four levels. I and II are benign; IV and V are malignant . Benign glioma usually does not cause severe symptoms, since the brain itself often generates processes to adapt to them. The evil ones can be devastating.

The type of cell involved also generates different types of glioma. There are basically three types of glial cells that can produce tumors. The most common are astrocytomas, ependymomas, and oligodendrogliomas. The most aggressive form of these tumors is called glioblastoma multiforme.

The usual thing is that the glioma forms in the areas where there is a greater amount of brain tissue. For this reason, they appear more commonly in the frontal lobe, in the cerebral cortex and in the thalamus. However, this rule is not followed in the case of children.

Origin and characteristics

Science does not know exactly what the reasons are for a glioma to form. What has been established are the three most determining risk factors. These are:

• Age : Although glioma can appear at any age, it is more common in those who are in the range of 45 to 65 years.
• Exposure to radiation : People who have been exposed to ionizing radiation have a higher risk of developing a glioma. This type of radiation is in radiotherapies to treat cancer and in that generated by atomic bombs.
• Family history : A family history of glioma slightly increases the risk of developing one of these tumors.

The most common is that benign tumors manifest for the first time with an epileptic seizure. The malignant ones, on the other hand, usually manifest with intracranial hypertension and with the production of neurological deficits of different order.

Other data of interest

A malignant glioma can generate multiple manifestations, depending on where it is located. The most common is that it produces headaches, vomiting and progressive loss of consciousness. In many cases, intellectual capacity is decreased and muscle strength is lost, including loss of toilet training.

In some cases, there is also loss of sensation in some areas of the body, as well as alterations in vision and language. Memory abnormalities and gait difficulties are also common.

Benign gliomas usually have an excellent prognosis. Basically, they are treated surgically and their total removal and complete healing are possible. In contrast, malignant gliomas have a shorter life expectancy and an uncertain chance of improvement.