Astrocytoma (patient information): Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:12, 5 November 2019

Template:Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (patient information) Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.; Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]

Overview

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma is a rare, benign brain tumor that is commonly associated with tuberous sclerosis, a genetic disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma?

Some common symptoms of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma include:

Headache
Vomiting
Nausea
Blurred vision
Seizure
Change in personality/behavior
Memory loss

What Causes Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma?

The exact cause of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma is unknown but it is predominantly associated with tuberous sclerosis which is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes.

Who is at Highest Risk?

People with tuberous sclerosis have the highest risk of developing subependymal giant cell astrocytoma

Diagnosis

When patients present with signs and symptoms of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, along with a thorough history and physical examination, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan of the head are used in the diagnosis of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?

If acute symptoms such as headache, vomiting, confusion, and blurred vision should develop, or new onset of symptoms, seek urgent care immediately.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for subependymal giant cell astrocytoma include:

Surgery: Surgery is the recommended therapy. It is usually done when patients present with a new set of symptoms, tumor growth is seen on imaging studies, or presents with acute symptoms. In cases that cannot be treated surgically, medical therapy can be used.
Pharmacological therapy: This is used when surgery can't be done, which is when a patient presents with multiple tumors or the tumor has invaded neighboring structures. The preferred medical therapy is mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors which includes everolimus and rapamycin.

Where to find Medical Care for Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma

Prevention

There are no methods of preventing subependymal giant cell astrocytoma.

What to Expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

The prognosis is generally poor. A few positive prognostic factors include:

Surgical treatment
Age under 18 years

Possible Complications

Possible complications of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma include:

Bleeding within the tumor
Obstructive hydrocephalus
Stroke
Sudden death

Sources

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000768.htm

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 ==Overview==
-Astrocytoma is a type of [[glioma]] that originates from [[astrocytes]], which support and nourish the [[neuron]]s and help repair the damage when the [[brain]] is injured. Astrocytoma occupies 30% of [[brain]] [[tumor]]s. People with family history of astrocytoma and [[radiation]] exposure are more prone to astrocytoma.  Astrocytoma can cause various neurological symptoms such as [[headache]], [[seizures]], [[drowsiness]] or even [[coma]] and patients are advised to seek urgent medical care for these symptoms. Imaging studies are the best diagnostic modality and [[chemotherapy]], [[radiation]] and [[surgery]] are used to treat the [[disease]]. The [[prognosis]] depends on the staging of the [[disease]].
+Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma is a rare, benign brain tumor that is commonly associated with tuberous sclerosis, a genetic disorder.
 ==What are the Symptoms of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma?==