Brain cancers are either primary (starting in the brain) or metastatic (starting somewhere else in the body and then moving to the brain). Gliomas are primary brain tumors involving glial cells, which provide nutrients, oxygen, and other support to neurons (nerve cells). Malignant (characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth) gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors, accounting for about 10 000 primary malignant brain tumors diagnosed yearly in the United States. They are a common cause of cancer death in persons 15 to 44 years old and affect more men than women. Senator Edward Kennedy recently died of a malignant glioma. The March 10, 2010, issue of JAMA includes an article about a woman with a glioma.
The causes of gliomas are not known, although several acquired (not inherited) genetic mutations have been found in gliomas. These include genes that affect DNA copying, regulation, and growth. These mutations can cause cells to divide uncontrollably.
Symptoms of gliomas depend on the part of the brain involved but can include headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, balance or walking problems, or changes in vision or hearing.
Gliomas can be classified by cell type, location, and grade. Gliomas are named for the type of cell they most closely resemble (eg, astrocytes in astrocytomas; oligodendrocytes in oliogodendrogliomas). About half of gliomas are glioblastomas. About 70% of adult tumors are in the cerebrum (upper part of the brain) and about 70% of tumors in children are in the cerebellum (lower part of the brain). Perhaps the most important classification is by grade, which requires a biopsy of the tumor. Low-grade gliomas tend to grow slowly and are associated with a better prognosis. High-grade gliomas have a tendency to spread and are associated with a worse prognosis. All gliomas usually reappear, even after surgical removal and additional treatment.
Grahic Jump Location
Diagnosis of a glioma usually involves an examination by a neurologist (physician with specialized training in diseases of the nervous system). Studies may include x-ray, CT scan (special x-rays of the head), MRI (more detailed imaging of the brain), angiogram (a procedure using material injected into the body to see blood vessels), PET (a nuclear medicine imaging technique assessing brain metabolism), and a biopsy of the tumor.
Supportive care for glioma patients usually includes antiseizure medication. Treatment depends on the cell type, location, and grade of the glioma. Often, treatment consists of a combined approach, using surgery to remove as much of the tumor as is safely possible, radiotherapy (a beam of radiation directed at the tumor), and chemotherapy (use of medications to kill cancer cells). About half of Americans diagnosed each year with malignant gliomas are alive after 1 year and about 25% are alive after 2 years. Scientists are working on many potential treatments for gliomas.
National Cancer Institutehttp://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/treatment/brain/malignantglioma
American Brain Tumor Associationhttp://www.abta.org
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on brain tumors was published in the February 2, 2005, issue.
Sources: National Cancer Institute, American Brain Tumor Association
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 312/464-0776.
TOPIC: TUMORS
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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