Pathological changes in brain cells often lead to the development of tumor-like processes of a benign or malignant course.. In the practice of neurosurgeons and oncologists, a primary intracerebral neuroepithelial (glial) tumor, astrocytoma, is often encountered.. Develops from stellate cells (astrocytes), may have a different degree of malignancy, requires competent and timely treatment.

Causes and risk groups.

According to medical observations and statistics, cerebral astrocytoma occurs in 7 people out of 10,000 yew.. The disease mainly affects people aged 20 to 50 years, more often men. The exact causes of the disease have not been established, but there are several predisposing factors that increase the risk of morbidity:.

¦ heredity;

¦ neurofibromatosis;

tuberculous sclerosis;

exposure to radiation, chemicals;

Viruses with high oncogenicity;

¦radioactive radiation.

A high risk of morbidity is present in patients who have previously had cancer, underwent radiation therapy. Very often, it is impossible to identify the true cause, therefore, doctors, based on the results of the examination, the general condition of the patient, prescribe treatment.

Forms of the disease.

The tumor can be localized in any hemisphere of the brain, including the cerebellum, optic nerve. In the process of its development, astrocytoma goes through 4 stages, each of which differs in the size of the formation, clinical signs. In the initial stages, when tumor-like cells have a slight atypicality, are characterized by slow growth, the symptoms are mild, but timely diagnosis and proper treatment give good prognosis for recovery..

When the disease is neglected, it has reached III-IV degree of malignancy, cancer cells grow rapidly, compress surrounding tissues, and cause severe symptoms.. The prognosis at this stage of the disease is unfavorable, and the treatment received can only prolong the life of the patient for several months..

Astrocytomas are divided into several types:.

Pilocytic astrocytoma - the initial stage of the disease of a benign course, has I degree of malignancy. More often localized in the optic nerve, brain stem, cerebellum. Differs in slow growth, has clear boundaries, responds well to treatment.

Fibrillar astrocytoma - the tumor itself is benign, but has a high chance of recurrence. It belongs to the II degree of malignancy, does not give metastases, has a slow growth.

¦Anaplastic astrocytoma - a malignant tumor of the III degree. Has no clear boundaries, is characterized by rapid growth.

¦Glioblastoma - IV degree of a malignant tumor that has no borders, grows into surrounding tissues, gives metastases. The prognosis is unfavorable, the patient dies within 6 months.

Symptoms and signs.

Clinical signs of astrocytoma directly depend on the stage of the disease, localization and size of the tumor itself.. In the initial stages, the symptoms go unnoticed, but as the formation grows, there may be:.

¦increased weakness;

Headache of varying intensity and localization, which is aggravated by tilting the head;

nausea not associated with food intake, vomiting;

a decrease in visual acuity;

convulsive muscle twitches;

paresis, paralysis of limbs;

¦ speech disorder;

Decreased sensitivity of the body;

¦double vision.

Difficulty swallowing food;

inability to think logically.

All these symptoms may occur to a lesser or greater extent, but in any case, at their first appearance, you should consult a doctor.. The sooner the disease is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance of recovery..

Diagnostic methods.

To make a final diagnosis, determine the tactics of treatment, the patient is assigned a comprehensive examination. It includes:.

MRI with contrast - determines the location and size of the tumor, the degree of its malignancy.

¦CT - evaluates the parts of the brain, shows clear boundaries of the tumor with its structure.

Angiography - examines the state of the blood vessels.

Biopsy - determines the structure and features of the tumor, allows you to make an accurate diagnosis.

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe other research methods to get a complete picture of the disease.. The diagnostic results are the basis for making a diagnosis and prescribing the necessary treatment..

Treatment.

It is impossible to eliminate astrocytoma with conservative methods of treatment.. Therapy involves only surgical removal of the tumor, followed by radiation or chemotherapy..

In the initial stages, the operation is not carried out. The patient is observed by a doctor who monitors the growth and dynamics of the disease. In the second stage, excision of the tumor is performed. To do this, use modern technologies with minimal trauma.. In the last stages of the disease, the operation is performed immediately, combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy..

After the operation to remove the tumor, the patient undergoes a long-term rehabilitation, is observed by a doctor, takes various medications, undergoes sanatorium and resort treatment.

life forecast.

If the disease is diagnosed in time in the early stages, the survival rate is 100%.

Operation at stage 2 has a positive prognosis in 40% of cases. People with stages 3 and 4 have no chance of a full and long life. Life expectancy after surgery is no more than 1 year.

Astrocytoma refers to severe brain tumors, which practically leaves no chance for the patient. However, given the possibilities of modern oncology and neurosurgery, with timely treatment, compliance with all medical prescriptions, life expectancy can reach 5 years..

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