What Is A Glioma?

A glioma is a tumor that can appear in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors affect brain functions and are considered fatal. Their gravity depends on exactly where they are located and how fast they start to grow.

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

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

What is a glioma?

The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) contains neurons, highly specialized and differentiated cells. This means that each one only knows how to fulfill their role, which consists of receiving information and then preparing and transmitting it.

In order for them to function properly, they have other cells around them. These serve as support, providing energy and collecting residual substances that are generated during the processes carried out by neurons. The cells that perform 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 being minimally invasive to normal tissue. Other times, very aggressive tumors appear, which grow very easily and expand rapidly.

At first, 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, as 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.

Typically, glioma forms in areas where there is a greater amount of brain tissue. Therefore, they most commonly appear in the frontal lobe, cerebral cortex, and thalamus. However, this rule is not followed in the case of children.

Origin and characteristics

Science doesn’t know exactly what the reasons for the formation of a glioma are. 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 the 45-65 age group.
• Radiation Exposure : People who have been exposed to ionizing radiation are at an increased risk of developing a glioma. This type of radiation is in radiotherapy to treat cancer and in those 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 first manifest with an epileptic seizure. The malignant ones usually manifest with intracranial hypertension and with the production of neurological deficits of a different order.

Other data of interest

A malignant glioma can have multiple manifestations depending on where it is located. The most common is that it causes headaches, vomiting and progressive loss of consciousness. In many cases, intellectual capacity is diminished and muscle strength is lost, including loss of control of the sphincters.

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

Benign gliomas usually have an excellent prognosis. Basically, they are treated surgically and their complete removal and complete healing is possible. Malignant gliomas, on the other hand, have a shorter life expectancy and an uncertain likelihood of improvement.