Astrocytoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Overview of astrocytoma?== | ==Overview of astrocytoma?== | ||
Astrocytoma is a type of [[glioma]] that origins from astrocytes. Astrocytes can support and nourish neurons and help repair the damage when the brain is injured. Astrocytoma occupies 30% of brain tumors. | Astrocytoma is a type of [[glioma]] that origins from astrocytes. Astrocytes can support and nourish neurons and help repair the damage when the brain is injured. Astrocytoma occupies 30% of brain tumors. | ||
Usual symptoms include [[headache]], [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]], [[seizure]], [[hydrocephalus]], [[weakness]], or [[numbness]] in the extremities. Sometimes astrocytoma may spread along the cerebrospinal fluid pathways, but rare spread outside of the brain or spinal cord. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best way for diagnosis. Treatments include surgery, [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], gene therapy, or a combination of them. | Usual symptoms include [[headache]], [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]], [[seizure]], [[hydrocephalus]], [[weakness]], or [[numbness]] in the extremities. Sometimes astrocytoma may spread along the cerebrospinal fluid pathways, but rare spread outside of the brain or spinal cord. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best way for diagnosis. Treatments include surgery, [[radiation therapy]], [[chemotherapy]], gene therapy, or a combination of them. Because most [[astrocytomas]] can spread widely throughout the normal brain tissue, it may be very hard to remove by surgery. Prognosis depends on the grade of the cancer. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 20:15, 18 February 2010
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Overview of astrocytoma?
Astrocytoma is a type of glioma that origins from astrocytes. Astrocytes can support and nourish neurons and help repair the damage when the brain is injured. Astrocytoma occupies 30% of brain tumors. Usual symptoms include headache, nausea and vomiting, seizure, hydrocephalus, weakness, or numbness in the extremities. Sometimes astrocytoma may spread along the cerebrospinal fluid pathways, but rare spread outside of the brain or spinal cord. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best way for diagnosis. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, or a combination of them. Because most astrocytomas can spread widely throughout the normal brain tissue, it may be very hard to remove by surgery. Prognosis depends on the grade of the cancer.
See also
Where to find medical care for astrocytoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating astrocytoma