Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma is type of brain tumor. It is a malignant tumor, cancer. This type of tumor arises from small, star-shaped cells in the brain. They are called ...

condition

Definition

Astrocytoma is type of brain tumor. It is a malignant (cancerous) tumor. This type of tumor begins from small, star-shaped cells in the brain. They are called astrocytes. Astrocytes are one of several types of supporting cells in the brain. These types of cells are called glial cells. An astrocytoma is a type of the larger group of brain tumors called gliomas.

Astrocytoma is the most common form of glioma. It may occur anywhere in the brain. It is most commonly found in:

The cerebrum in adults—The largest part of the brain
The cerebellum—A smaller part of the brain in the rear
Brainstem—Connects the brain to the spinal cord
Optic nerves in children—Nerve that leads from the brain to the eye

Brain Tumor

When an astrocytoma is diagnosed, the most important factors are:

Grade of tumor (how aggressive it looks under a microscope)
Size
Location
Degree of side effects from the tumor
Age of the patient

These factors will determine the symptoms, outlook, and treatment.

Causes

The exact cause is unknown. Some possible causes of brain tumors include:

Heredity
Certain occupations
Environmental factors
Viruses

Risk

The exact risk factors for astrocytomas have not been identified. Some studies suggest the following risk factors increase your chance of this tumor:

Genetic disorders (including neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis)
Occupational exposure to:
- Radiation
- Chemicals
- Oil refining
- Rubber manufacturing

Symptoms

The first symptoms of any brain tumor can be caused as the tumor grows. The growth can increase pressure in the brain. Symptoms may include:

Headaches
Visual changes
Vomiting
Seizures
Personality changes
Problems with memory, thinking, and concentration
Problems with walking

Symptoms will vary depending on the location of the tumor. For example:

Frontal lobe—Gradual changes in mood and personality, loss of muscle function on one side of the body
Temporal lobe—Problems with coordination, speech, and memory
Parietal lobe—Problems with sensation, writing, or fine motor skills
Cerebellum—Problems with coordination and balance
Occipital lobe—Problems with vision, visual hallucinations

diagnosis

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your doctor may need to look at pictures of your brain. This can be done through:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
Computed tomography (CT) scan
Angiogram

You may also have biopsy/resection to remove a sample of brain tissue to test it for cancer cells.

A specialist will determine the grade of the tumor. Astrocytomas are graded from I to IV. These grades indicate the outlook and rate of tumor growth.

Grades I and II—These low-grade astrocytomas grow slowly. They generally stay in an area of the brain. They are more commonly found in younger patients. Grade II astrocytomas can spread.
Grades III and IV—These high-grade tumors grow rapidly. They can spread throughout the brain and spinal cord. Aggressive treatment is needed. This is the most common type found in adults. Grade III tumors are called anaplastic astrocytoma. Grade IV tumors are called glioblastoma multiforme or GBM.

treatment

Treatment

Specific treatment for brain tumors at UVA will be determined by your doctor based on:

Your age, overall health and medical history
Type, location and size of the tumor
Extent of the condition
Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
Expectations for the course of the condition
Your opinion or preference

Treatment at UVA may include (alone or in combination):

Surgery is usually the first step in the treatment of brain tumors. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible while maintaining neurological function. A biopsy is also done to examine the types of cells the tumor is made of for a diagnosis. This is frequently done if the tumor is in an area with sensitive structures around it that may be injured during removal.
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Steroids are used to treat and prevent swelling, especially in the brain.
Anti-seizure medication treats and prevents seizures associated with intracranial pressure.
Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (also called a VP shunt), which is a tube that is placed into the fluid filled spaces of the brain called ventricles. The other end of the tube is placed into the abdomen to help drain excess fluid that can build up in the brain and cause an increase in pressure in the brain.
Bone marrow transplantation
Supportive care minimizes the side effects of the tumor or treatment.
Rehabilitation may be necessary to regain lost motor skills and muscle strength; speech, physical and occupational therapists may help with rehabilitation.
Antibiotics treat and prevent infections.
Continuous follow-up care to help manage the disease, detect recurrence of the tumor and manage late effects of treatment.
Gamma Knife (stereotactic radiosurgery)

Newer therapies that we may use to treat brain cancer include gene therapy where a special gene is added to a virus that is injected into the brain tumor. An antivirus drug is then given that kills the cancer cells that have been infected with the altered virus.

prevention

Prevention

There are no prevention guidelines because the exact cause of astrocytoma is not known. It has been suggested that the electromagnetic waves emitted from high-tension wires or even cell phones may increase the risk of developing brain tumors. There is no scientific evidence supporting this theory.

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