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What Is a Glial Tumor?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A glial tumor is a malignant growth in the central nervous system derived from cells known as glial cells. Several types of glial cells are present in the body, and they can grow into astrocytomas, ependymal tumors, oligodendrogliomas, and mixed gliomas, among others. Survival rates with these cancers can be low because they are aggressive and are found in an extremely sensitive area of the body. Patients may experience brain damage that can result in severe complications like loss of speech and motor control, depending on the precise location of the growth.

The reasons for the development of glial tumors are poorly understood, although there appear to be some risk factors including exposure to radiation, genetics, and gender. Like other tumors, they start when cells begin to divide out of control and they are not put in check by the body. They develop into a growth which can start invading surrounding tissue. A patient with a glial tumor can develop high pressure inside the skull and may experience symptoms like vision loss, slurred speech, staggering gait, and memory problems.

Surgery and radiation therapy may be undertaken when a glial tumor is found in the brain.
Surgery and radiation therapy may be undertaken when a glial tumor is found in the brain.

Medical imaging studies can show a glial tumor and provide information about the location. Determining the specific cell type involved can also be helpful, as this may help with grading and classifying the tumor to determine how aggressive and dangerous it is. This can help a medical provider make recommendations to the patient.

There are several treatment options for a glial tumor. Ideally, the growth should be resected in a surgery to remove it from the central nervous system. This can be challenging, as the site may be hard to access or there could be concerns about damaging the patient’s brain in the procedure. If surgery is a viable option, it is usually performed by a neurosurgeon, who also carefully evaluates the patient throughout the recovery process to check for complications.

Most patients with glial tumors live no more than two years after the initial diagnosis.
Most patients with glial tumors live no more than two years after the initial diagnosis.

Radiation to shrink the tumor can also be a possibility. One concern with radiation is that exposure is linked with the development of glial tumors, so the treatment could put the patient at risk of a recurrence, but the benefits might outweigh this risk. Chemotherapy treatments are also available to tackle tumors with medications that target cell growth and proliferation.

Glial tumors may be treated using chemotherapy.
Glial tumors may be treated using chemotherapy.

Prognosis can be poor with this kind of tumor, and many patients do not live beyond 12 to 24 months after diagnosis. Catching the growth early can improve the patient’s chances, as can treating it as aggressively as possible. Patients may find it helpful to go to a specialty clinic that focuses on glial tumor care to get access to the best treatment and care providers.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Surgery and radiation therapy may be undertaken when a glial tumor is found in the brain.
      By: Mikhail Basov
      Surgery and radiation therapy may be undertaken when a glial tumor is found in the brain.
    • Most patients with glial tumors live no more than two years after the initial diagnosis.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Most patients with glial tumors live no more than two years after the initial diagnosis.
    • Glial tumors may be treated using chemotherapy.
      By: nebari
      Glial tumors may be treated using chemotherapy.
    • Medical imaging studies are used to help determine a course of action to fight a glial tumor.
      By: Trish23
      Medical imaging studies are used to help determine a course of action to fight a glial tumor.
    • Patients with a glial tumor can experience a high level of pressure in the skull.
      By: Mopic
      Patients with a glial tumor can experience a high level of pressure in the skull.
    • Prognosis can be poor with a glial tumor.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Prognosis can be poor with a glial tumor.