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Glioma encompasses a broad group of tumors that arise from cells that make up supportive tissue of the brain and, less frequently, the spinal cord. Gliomas are the most common type of tumor to originate in the brain.
Some types of gliomas grow slowly and are described as “low grade.” The most advanced and fast-growing form is a “glioblastoma.” All are referred to as malignant glioma. Gliomas generally are characterized as Grade I thru IV.
Types of glioma include:
Low-grade gliomas tend to occur in people ages 20 to 40 and may progress to more aggressive tumors. Risk of higher grade glioma increases with age: the types that occur in adults are most common between ages 40 and 70. Gliomas overall occur more frequently in men than in women. Risk may be related to high dose radiation exposure (though this is rare) and is slightly increased among family members of someone who has a glioma.
Symptoms of a glioma vary based on the tumor’s size and location and how rapidly it may be growing and putting pressure on the brain. Symptoms may include:
Low-grade gliomas may have minimal initial symptoms.
Diagnosis includes a neurological exam with a physician for balance, reflexes, vision, hearing, and other neurological function and brain imaging (including MRI, CT, and PET).
The type of glioma will help determine treatment and prognosis. The current standard of care is surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery may be followed by chemotherapy (drugs that stop tumor growth) and/or radiation therapy to address any remaining tumor or microscopic disease. Inoperable tumors may be treated by radiation and/or chemotherapy to relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy sometimes is delivered directly to the tumor site during surgery or afterward through a shunt. Despite significant advances in treating gliomas, they frequently recur and require ongoing imaging and treatment.
Learn more about glioma treatment at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
In this video neurosurgeon Elizabeth Claus, MD, PhD, shares more information about low-grade gliomas, a malignant brain tumor.
The neurosurgeons at Brigham and Women's see hundreds of glioma patients each year—a high volume of experience that allows for exceptional care. They will collaborate with the rest of our multidisciplinary team of radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and other cancer specialists to develop your individualized care plan. By accounting for your specific brain tumor—and drawing upon the latest treatment options—our team will give you the best possible chance at a successful outcome.
As a patient at Brigham and Women's Hospital, you can count on:
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