Gliomas
Gliomas are a type of brain and spinal cord tumor. They start in the glial cells, which are special cells that help support and protect the nerve cells in the brain and spine. Glial cells help the brain work properly, so when a glioma grows, it can cause problems with how the brain or spinal cord functions.
Gliomas can be slow-growing or fast-growing. Some gliomas are more dangerous than others.
Types of Gliomas:
- Astrocytomas: start in cells called astrocytes, found all over the brain and spinal cord
- Oligodendrogliomas: start in cells called oligodendrocytes, which help protect nerve cells
- Glioblastomas: a fast-growing and serious type of glioma
Signs of a Glioma Can Include:
- Headaches that don’t go away
- Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up
- Trouble seeing clearly
- Trouble with balance or walking
- Weakness or numbness in the body
- Seizures (shaking or jerking that can’t be controlled)
- Feeling confused or having memory problems
How Do Doctors Find Gliomas?
Doctors use MRI or CT scans to look at the brain or spine. Sometimes they do a biopsy, which means taking a small piece of the tumor to check what type it is.
How Are Gliomas Treated?
Treatment depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor. It may include:
- Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible
- Radiation therapy to help stop the tumor from growing
- Chemotherapy (strong medicine) to fight cancer cells
Additional resources can be found below.
SaveGeneral Cancer Programs
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External Resources
Organizations for Brain and Central Nervous System Cancer
Cancer Information and Support
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