Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma is a type of benign brain tumors that may cause brain cancer. They are the most common form of gliomas that originate in the cerebral hemispheres, optic nerves, posterior fossa and also sometimes in the spinal cord. Astrocytoma has its origin in the the brain cells that are commonly known as astrocyte. These disease which effects the cerebrum occurs in people of all ages, mostly in the middle aged persons.

Grading of Astrocytoma
Astrocytoma can be categorized into four grades depending on their presentation and appearance. The World Health Organization has given four grades of astrocytoma. The first grade of astrocytoma is called pilocytic astrocytoma. Diffuse astrocytoma is regarded as the second grade whereas anaplastic astrocytoma the third grade is malignant in nature. Grade 4 or glioblastoma multiforme is the most common form of astrocytoma.

Symptoms of astrocytoma
In majority of the cases the initial symptom is the seizure which is common with nearly 60-75% of the patients who are suffering from astrocytoma. Headache and vomiting are the two most common symptoms associated with the disease.

In case of the children the tumor is mostly found in the cerebellum which may affect their vision and in such cases there is less probability of getting cured. Besides the children may also suffer from loss of memory and become unmindful. There are certain motor diabilities that may affect the academic skills of the students.

Diagnosis of astrocytoma
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) are the two main ways of diagnosis of astrocytoma. CT is done in order to find out if the astrocytoma has any effect on the lateral ventricles and the arteries. But biopsy is regarded as the ultimate means of detecting the disease. The tumor which iN white and grey hardly differs in appearance from the white matter of the brain.

Treatments of astrocytoma
If detected in the initial stages then there is a chance of survival for the patient. Researches conducted in the recent years have proved that in nearly 90% of the cases where early diagnosis was done, the patients can live upto 5 years. In order to prevent the tumor from becoming malignant chemotherapy and radiation therapy is done. But the recurrence of the astrocytoma even after getting completely cured is not uncommon. Though rare, in some cases, two or more than two types of cells can develop. Sometimes treatment can destroy one cell but the other cells continue to be there harming the patient and acting as hindrance to treatment.

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