What Are Glioma Brain Tumors?
A Glioma is a type of brain tumor that grows from Glial cells. Glial cells support nerve cells with energy and nutrients and help maintain the blood-brain barrier. There are various types of Glial cells, each with a different function:
Astrocyte - transports nutrients and holds neurons in place
Oligodendrocyte - provides insulation (myelin) to neurons
Microglia - digests dead neurons and pathogens
Ependymal cells - line the ventricles and secrete cerebrospinal fluid
Gliomas vary in their aggressiveness, or malignancy.
Some are slow-growing and are likely curable. Others are fast-growing, invasive, difficult to treat, and are likely to recur.
Treatment options vary depending on the cell type and aggressiveness of the tumor. Gliomas are graded based on the type of Glial cell from which they grow. This is determined by a pathologist who examines the tumor cells (obtained in a biopsy) under a microscope:
OBSERVATION
For tumors located in areas that are not candidates for surgery or high risk to cause loss of function after surgery. Some tumors may never grow, but others will enlarge or transform to a high-grade tumor warranting treatment.
SURGERY
Treatment of choice if tumor is able to be removed without causing loss of function. Complete removal can be curative.
No surgery is without risk. General complications of any surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific complications related to a craniotomy may include stroke, seizures, venous sinus occlusion, swelling of the brain, and CSF leakage.
Risks related to acoustic neuroma surgery may include:
- Facial weakness is the loss of muscle control on one side of the face caused by nerve swelling or damage; it may be temporary or permanent. Temporary facial paralysis or weakness is common after surgery and may persist for 6 to 12 months. Those with facial weakness will need to take extra care of their eye with artificial tears and lubricant until facial nerve function improves. Facial nerve function is directly related to the size of the weakness will need to take extra care of their eye with artificial tears and lubricant until facial nerve function improves. Facial nerve function is directly related to the size of the tumor.
- Eye problems may occur as the result of facial weakness or paralysis that prevents the eye from closing completely. This allows the eye to become dry and unprotected. Artificial tears, eye lubricants, protective glasses, bandage contact lenses, and taping the eye shut are all options to protect the cornea.
- Hearing loss is the most common complication and may be permanent in the affected ear because the tumor is wrapped around the cochlear nerve. In small tumors it is possible to save hearing when removing the tumor. Larger tumors usually have already caused some hearing loss or deafness prior to surgery.
- Balance problems are common and generally improve after surgery with head exercises, Pilates, or Tai Chi. Care should be taken when using stairs or escalators. Persistent balance or dizziness problems may need treatment with vestibular (balance) rehabilitation.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is the escape of CSF that flows around the brain.
- Headache is common after acoustic neuroma surgery and usually subsides within several weeks. Persistent headache (>3 months) can occur after suboccipital craniotomy.
