The concept of glioma covers a wide group of primary tumors of the brain and spinal cord that arise from glial cells - the main cells of the brain, according to the Internet edition for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old Pannochka. net Symptoms, prognosis and treatment of malignant glioma depend on the age of the patient, the specific type of tumor, its location in the brain.

These tumors tend to grow and capture healthy brain tissue, which makes their surgical removal difficult and sometimes impossible.

The risk of glioma increases with age, and peaks, according to American experts, by the age of 76-85 years. Tumors of the brain are more common in men than in women.

The main known risk factor for glioma is the radiation exposure of the brain. About 5% of patients with glioma have close relatives who have been ill with this type of cancer. This suggests that the hereditary factor also plays a role in the onset of the disease. Some genetic diseases significantly increase the risk of developing glioma in children, but quite rarely - in adults.

However, the relationship between lifestyle and the risk of glioma is unknown. At the very least, alcohol, smoking and the use of mobile phones do not increase the risk of glioma.

Classification by gliomas.

Gliomas constitute about 77% of all malignant tumors of the brain.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) proposes to distinguish three main types of glioma, including oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas and ependymomas. The fourth type contains more than one type of cells, and is not actually glioma.

Ependymomas account for about 2% of all brain tumors. These tumors originate from ependymal cells, are not likely to spread into normal brain tissues, and can be surgically removed. They very rarely give metastases outside the brain.

Astrocytomas account for about 35% of all brain tumors. They come from brain cells called astrocytes. Most of these tumors can not be treated, since they germinate in healthy brain tissue. Astrocytomas are classified by the degree of malignancy (GR I, II, III, IV) - tumors of the first degree grow most slowly, and tumors of the fourth degree grow fastest (they are also called glioblastomas).

Oligodendrogliomas account for about 4% of all brain tumors. These tumors spread like astrocytomas, and usually can not be surgically removed.

Symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of glioma are similar to those of other brain tumors, and depend on the location of the tumor and its size. The most frequent sign of glioma is headache, which is observed in half of patients.

Other symptoms include seizures, memory loss, weakness, muscle control disorders, visual problems, speech impairment, decreased intelligence and personality changes. These symptoms can change as the cancer progresses and destroys new brain cells, compresses various parts of the brain and causes an increase in intracranial pressure.

Diagnosis of a tumor.

The main methods of detecting brain tumors are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). And the last method is considered more appropriate. If the results of the magnetic resonance scan indicate the presence of a tumor, the doctor can perform a brain biopsy - the procedure for taking a tissue sample directly from the neoplasm.

A biopsy must either confirm or disprove a diagnosis.

Treatment of glioma.

For the treatment of glioma and other brain tumors today there is a huge number of therapeutic techniques. The choice of this or that treatment scheme depends on the specific case, the condition of the patient, the degree of tumor malignancy.

The methods of treatment of glioma are as follows:.

Surgical removal of the tumor is the main, most effective method of treating glioma. But the application of this method for the treatment of brain tumors is limited by many factors. Sometimes cancer affects important areas, and surgery can hurt important brain functions such as movement, thinking, speech, sensations.

Positron emission tomography and MRI help the surgeon to accurately determine tumor localization. But often the tumors are in such places that the operation can lead to the death of the patient - in these cases other methods of treatment.

In addition, even the most careful removal of the tumor does not guarantee 100% that the cancer will not return through time, so after the operation the patients should be under the supervision of the doctor for a long time.

Radiation therapy using high-power directed radioactive rays. These rays effectively destroy rapidly growing cancer cells. However, radiation therapy also has many limitations and side effects, up to an increased risk of developing other cancers in the future.

Chemotherapy with the use of drugs that slow down the reproduction and growth of cancer cells. Today, there is a wide choice of chemotherapeutic agents, both for oral administration and for injections. Chemotherapy is also associated with a large number of side effects that should be discussed with your doctor.

Supportive therapy, not aimed at eliminating cancer, but on alleviating symptoms and restoring brain functions. Treatment with corticosteroid hormones helps to relieve cerebral edema and relieve headaches. Anticonvulsants help with seizures. Nootropics improve mental activity and memory.

Forecasts of brain cancer.

High-grade gliomas are tumors with rapid growth. They are practically incurable, and are characterized by poor prognosis, especially in elderly patients. For patients with grade IV glioblastoma, according to American oncologists, the average life expectancy after diagnosis is 12 months. A very small number of patients with anaplastic astrocytoma live more than 3 years, with conservative treatment.

Nevertheless, modern and promising methods of treatment, selective drugs, gene therapy, immunotherapy, hope to improve the results of treatment of such patients in the near future.

medbe. en.