Astrocytoma (patient information)

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here Template:DiseaseDisorder infobox Template:Search infobox Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Editor-In-Chief Patient Information Page: Jinhui Wu, MD

Overview

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.

Where to find medical care for astrocytoma?

Directions to Hospitals Treating astrocytoma

See also

• Glioma (patient information)

Sources

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_brain_and_spinal_cord_tumors_3.asp?rnav=cri