Astrocytoma – Encephaloma – Glioma

Description astrocytoma

Astrocytoma – one type of brain tumor. It is a malignant tumor, cancer. This type of tumors arises from the small, star-shaped cells in the brain, called astrocytes. Astrocytes are one of several types of supporting cells in the brain. These types are called glial cells. Astrocytoma is a subtype of the larger group of brain tumors called gliomas.

Astrocytoma is the most common form of glioma. It can occur anywhere in the brain. But most often it occurs in:

• Cerebrum;
• Cerebellum;
• Brain axis, which is attached to the spinal cord;
• The optic nerve in children – nerve, that leads from the brain to the eye.

In the diagnosis of astrocytoma most important factors are:

• Class tumor (how aggressively it develops);
• Size;
• Location;
• Degree of neurological side effects from exposure to tumor;
• Age of the patient.

These factors determine the symptoms, forecast, and treatment.

Reasons astrocytoma

The exact cause is unknown. Some possible causes of brain tumors include:

• Heredity;
• Some professions;
• Environmental Factors;
• Viruses.

Risk factors

Although the exact risk factors for astrocytomas have not been identified, some studies show, that the following factors increase the chance of developing this tumor:

• Genetic disorders (including neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis);
• Occupational exposure:
  • Radiation;
  • Chemical substances;
  • Oil refining;
  • Manufacture of rubber.

Symptoms astrocytoma

The first symptoms of any brain tumor can be caused its growth. The growth can increase pressure in the brain. Symptoms may include:

• Headache;
• Changes in vision;
• Vomiting;
• Convulsions;
• Personality changes;
• Problems with memory, thinking and concentration;
• Problems with walking.

Symptoms can vary depending upon the tumor. For Example:

• Frontal lobe – gradual changes in mood and personality, paralysis of one side of the body;
• Temporal lobe – problems with coordination, speech and memory;
• Parietal lobe – problems with tactile sensations, letter or fine motor skills;
• Cerebellum – problems with coordination and balance;
• Occipital lobe – eye problems, heteroptics.

Diagnosis of astrocytoma

The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history, and performs a physical exam. Tests may include the following:

• MRI scan – test, which uses magnetic waves, to perform photographing brain, the most accurate method of determining the brain tumor;
• CT scan – X-ray machine performs pictures of the brain using x-rays;
• Angiogramma – after the introduction of a radiopaque dye into the arteries is performed X-rays, that allows the doctor to look for abnormalities in the arteries, leading to brain;
• Biopsy / resection – the selection of the sample of brain tissue to test for cancer cells.

Classification astrocytoma

The expert determines the degree of tumor development. Astrocytoma is evaluated on a scale of I to IV degree, depending on the prognosis and tumor growth rate.

• I and II degree – astrocytoma grows slowly. It, usually, It remains localized in certain regions of the brain. Most of these types of astrocytomas occur in young patients. Grade II astrocytomas can grow.
• III and IV degrees – tumors grow very quickly. They can spread throughout the brain and spinal cord, and require aggressive treatment. This is the most common types of, detectable in adults. Grade III tumors are called anaplastic astrocytoma. Grade IV glioblastoma brain called.

Treatment of astrocytoma

Treatment is prescribed depending on the location, size and grade of the tumor. Treatment may include:

Surgery

The operation is to remove as much as possible astrocytomas. If the tumor is large, operation is often followed by radiation or chemotherapy, to prevent the further spread.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy involves using radiation to kill cancer cells and reduce tumor. Types include radiotherapy:

• External radiation therapy – radiation is directed at the tumor from a source, located outside the body;
• Internal radiation therapy (also called brachytherapy) – Radioactive materials are placed on the body near the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The formulations may be made in various forms, including tablets, injection, and intravenously through the catheter. After the medication enter the bloodstream. They then travel through the body, killing cancer cells mostly, Although some healthy cells are also killed.

Prevention of astrocytomas

There are no guidelines for preventing astrocytoma, because the exact cause of its occurrence is unknown. Expected, that electromagnetic waves, emitted from high-voltage wires or cell phones may increase the risk of developing brain tumors. So far there is no scientific evidence, supports this theory.