Astrocytoma & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is an astrocytoma?

Astrocytoma is the most common type of glioma tumor that forms from astrocytes. The brain is the main organ of the central nervous system and consists of nerve cells (neurons) that support each other (glial). The distinct cells that make up the glial tissue include astrocytes. About 50 percent of primary brain tumors are astrocytoma.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies this disease into four levels depending on how fast it grows and the likelihood of spreading to nearby brain tissue.

• Astrocytoma grade I (juvenile pilocystic astrocytoma). Juvenile pilocystic astrocytoma occurs most often in children and adolescents. At this stage, the tumor generally attacks the cerebellum, cerebellum, optic nerve pathways, and brain stem.
• Astrocytoma grade II (low-grade astrocytoma or diffuse astrocytoma). These tumors grow relatively slowly and usually have no clear boundaries. This condition most often occurs in adults aged 20-40 years.
• Astrocytoma grade III (anaplastic astrocytoma). At this stage the tumor grows faster than class II astrocytoma. This condition occurs most often in adults aged 30-50 years.
• Astrocytoma grade IV (glioblastoma or GBM). At this stage the tumor has spread and is growing aggressively. GBM is most common in adults between the ages of 50 and 80, and is most common in men.

How common is an astrocytoma?

Astrocytoma is the most common brain tumor in adults. However, children can also get this disease. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of an astrocytoma?

Early stage symptoms include headache (may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting) or seizures. Other symptoms include weakness in the muscles of the arms or legs on one side of the body, problems with vision or speech.

In some cases, the patient will experience mental changes, such as confusion, disorientation, decreased memory skills, and irritability. There may be signs or symptoms that were not identified. If you have any particular concerns regarding symptoms, please consult your doctor and see a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Call your doctor if you have a severe headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness on one side of your body, seizures, or vision problems and difficulty speaking. If you have side effects to medication, such as fever after chemotherapy, you should see a doctor immediately to get an accurate diagnosis.

Cause

What causes astrocytoma?

The cause of astrocytoma is unknown. However, this disease is not hereditary and cannot be passed on from generation to generation.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for astrocytoma?

There are no clear risk factors why a person can develop astrocytoma. Based on research, diseases related to the nervous system such as neurofibromatosis and other genetic diseases can trigger the growth of astrocytoma.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for astrocytoma?

There are three general types of treatment for astrocytoma are:

• Operation
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Among most astrocytoma sufferers, they choose the surgical route to remove all parts of the tumor. This radical surgery to remove brain tumors will prolong the lives of these patients. However, not all of these brain tumor removal operations are always successful. You have to consider it first before you choose this method. In addition, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are two combination therapies to destroy residual tumor cells and limit the chances of the tumor growing back. Some of the factors that can determine the success of astrocytoma treatment are:

• Type of tumor
• The number of tumors removed
• Location of the tumor
• Patient age (chances of successful surgery are greater in younger people)

What are the usual tests for astrocytoma?

The doctor will make a diagnosis based on the symptoms that appear, but it is possible that the first stage symptoms are not obvious and often resemble a headache or sinus infection, making it difficult to diagnose.

Doctors will also use MRI scans and CT scans. If an MRI or CT scan shows a mass in the brain, the only way to prove the diagnosis is to do a biopsy.

In the biopsy method, the doctor will take a small piece of the mass and examine it under a microscope. An astrocytoma can be classified into stages I, II, III or IV. Stage I and II are early stage tumors, while stages III and IV are advanced tumors. This grouping system helps the doctor to determine the treatment method and prognosis that is suitable for the patient.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat astrocytoma?

Some of the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with astrocytoma are:

• Follow all the provisions given by the post-treatment doctor.
• Perform regular re-examination to monitor the progress of the disease and your health condition.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.