Gliomas are brain tumors in which glial cells are involved, which are cells that make up the Central Nervous System (CNS) and are responsible for supporting neurons and the proper functioning of the nervous system. This type of tumor has a genetic cause, but is rarely hereditary. However, if there are cases in the family of glioma, it is recommended that genetic counseling be carried out in order to verify the presence of mutations related to this disease.
Gliomas can be classified according to their location, cells involved, growth rate and aggressiveness and, according to these factors, the general practitioner and neurologist can determine the most appropriate treatment for the case, which is usually through surgery. followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
main symptoms
The signs and symptoms of glioma are usually only identified when the tumor is compressing a nerve or spinal cord, and they can also vary according to the size, shape and growth rate of the glioma, the main ones being:
- Headache;
- Seizures;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Difficulty maintaining balance;
- Mental confusion;
- Memory loss:
- Changes in behavior;
- Weakness on one side of the body;
- Difficulty speaking.
Based on the evaluation of these symptoms, the general practitioner or neurologist may indicate the performance of imaging tests so that the diagnosis can be made, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, for example. From the results obtained, the doctor can identify the location of the tumor and its size, being able to define the degree of the glioma and, thus, indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Possible causes
The causes of glioma are not fully understood, however it is believed that it may arise due to genetic alterations that may favor the abnormal growth and proliferation of cells in the nervous system. In addition, people who are more frequently exposed to ionizing radiation or who have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Turcot syndrome, for example, are at increased risk of developing a glioma.
According to the type of cell that is affected and which causes the brain tumor to develop, glioma can be classified into:
- astrocytomaswhich originate from astrocytes, which are the glial cells responsible for cell signaling, neuron nutrition and homeostatic control of the neuronal system;
- Epidediomaswhich originate from ependymal cells, which are responsible for lining the cavities found in the brain and allowing the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, the CSF;
- oligodendrogliomaswhich originate from oligodendrocytes, which are cells responsible for the formation of the myelin sheath, which is the tissue that covers nerve cells.
As astrocytes are present in greater quantity in the nervous system, the occurrence of astrocytomas is more frequent, with glioblastoma or grade IV astrocytoma being the most severe and common, which can be characterized by a high growth rate and infiltrative capacity, resulting in several symptoms. that can put the person’s life at risk. Understand what glioblastoma is.
grades of glioma
According to the degree of aggressiveness, glioma can be classified into:
- Grade Iwhich is more common in children, although rare, and can be easily resolved through surgery, since it has a slow growth and does not have an infiltrative capacity;
- Grade II, which also shows slow growth but can already infiltrate the brain tissue and, if the diagnosis is not made at the initial stage of the disease, it can become grade III or IV, which can put the person’s life at risk. In this case, in addition to surgery, chemotherapy is recommended;
- Grade IIIwhich is characterized by rapid growth and can be easily spread throughout the brain;
- Grade IVwhich is the most aggressive, since in addition to the high rate of replication it spreads quickly, putting the person’s life at risk.
In addition, gliomas can be classified as having a low growth rate, as is the case with grade I and II glioma, and a high growth rate, as is the case with grade III and IV gliomas, which are more common. serious due to the fact that the tumor cells are able to rapidly replicate and infiltrate other places in the brain tissue, further compromising the person’s life.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment of glioma is done according to the characteristics of the tumor, grade, type, age and signs and symptoms presented by the person. The most common treatment for glioma is surgery, which aims to remove the tumor, requiring the opening of the skull so that the neurosurgeon can gain access to the brain mass, making the procedure more delicate. This surgery is usually accompanied by images provided by MRI and CT scan so that the doctor can identify the exact location of the tumor to be removed.
After surgical removal of the glioma, the person is usually submitted to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, especially when it comes to grade II, III and IV gliomas, since they are infiltrative and can be easily spread to other places in the brain, worsening the condition. . Thus, with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it is possible to eliminate tumor cells that were not removed through surgery, preventing the proliferation of these cells and the return of the disease.
