Gliomas

Gliomas are the most common form of primary brain tumors and comprise approximately 80% of malignant brain tumors. The tumor originates from glial cells, which surround and support neural cells, thus it is called a glioma.

There is no obvious cause of gliomas. This type of brain tumor affects all ages, but is more common in adults. Gliomas are further categorized from grade 1 to 4 according to their pathologic evaluation. Grade 3 and 4 tumors are called 'high-grade gliomas', because those tumors have a worse survival rate than their 'low-grade' counterparts.

Furthermore, gliomas are subdivided into subgroups based on the specific type of cell they most closely resemble. The exact diagnosis of gliomas is sometimes not so easy even for an experienced pathologist.

MRI is the most important diagnostic method for this tumor. We can gain information on the tumor location, area of extension, relation to the normal brain, and biological information. MR spectroscopy and PET study can also give us further information.

Symptoms of gliomas depend on which part of the brain is affected. A glioma can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, speech disturbances, motor weakness, and so on.

Almost all gliomas cannot be cured because they intermix with normal brain tissue. Treatment options depend on the specific type, size and location of the tumor. Resection surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are main arms for the formidable tumor.