| Low grade gliomas | 1309.00000000000 | Low grade gliomas | Low grade gliomas | L | English | Neurology;Oncology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Brain;Spine | Nervous system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2009-07-10T04:00:00Z | | Eric Bouffet, MD, FRCPC | | | | 9.30000000000000 | 49.6000000000000 | 732.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Read about the many different types of low grade gliomas, including cerebellar, optic, brainstem, hemispheric, thalamic, and spinal cord.</p> | <p>A glioma is a name for tumours of the glial cells. These are the supporting cells of the nervous system. Gliomas can arise in any part of the brain and may also be found in the spinal cord. More than half of all brain tumours in children are gliomas. There are different types of gliomas. Some examples of gliomas are pilocytic astrocytomas, fibrillary astrocytomas, and pilomyxoid astrocytomas. A low grade glioma is the most common benign brain tumour in children. Low grade means that the glioma is growing slowly.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul><li>A low grade glioma is the most common benign brain tumour in children.</li>
<li>Low grade gliomas can occur in several different places including the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord.</li>
<li>The causes of a low grade glioma are unknown but children with NF1 have a slightly increased risk.</li>
<li>Common symptoms of a low grade glioma are headaches, vomiting, and double vision, depending on the location of the tumour.</li></ul> | <p>Low grade gliomas are also known as astrocytomas. There are many types of low grade gliomas. Most low-grade gliomas are grade 1 tumours (pilocytic or juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas). Some are grade 2 (fibrillary astrocytomas). Low grade gliomas are treated according to where they are located. They are usually treated with surgery, which is sometimes followed by chemotherapy and radiation. When surgery is not possible, other options are considered, including observation, chemotherapy, or radiation. </p><h2>Low grade glioma types</h2><h3>Cerebellar</h3><p>This type of low grade glioma is located at the back of the brain, in the cerebellum. It is treated with surgery. </p><h3>Optic/hypothalamic</h3><p>Optic and hypothalamic gliomas are generally slow-growing tumours. Optic gliomas are located along nerves that are involved with sight. Hypothalamic gliomas occur in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. This part of the brain plays an important role in controlling the body’s temperature, water balance, blood sugar levels, and fat metabolism. </p><p>For more information, see the
<a href="/Article?contentid=1310&language=English">About Optic and Hypothalamic Gliomas</a> section of this web site.</p><h3>Brainstem</h3><p>This is a benign tumour located in the brainstem at the base of the brain. These tumours are difficult to treat. Because the tumour is in an important area, surgery is often incomplete. Following surgery, several options may be considered, including radiation, chemotherapy, or observation. </p><h3>Hemispheric</h3><p>This type of low grade glioma is very slow-growing. It is located in a cerebral hemisphere, in the upper part of the brain. One common symptom is seizures. It is treated with surgery. </p><h3>Thalamic</h3><p>This type of tumour, located in the thalamus, is difficult and complex to treat. A biopsy may be done to diagnose the tumour, followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy as treatment. </p><h3>Spinal cord</h3><p>This tumour is located in the spinal cord. One symptom of a spinal cord tumour is back pain, which is worse at night. It can also spread to the chest. Children with a spinal cord tumour may sometimes present with a spinal deformity called scoliosis, and/or weakness in their arms or legs. The primary treatment for a spinal cord tumour is surgery. Some children may need chemotherapy, radiation, or sometimes multiple surgeries. </p><h2>What causes a low grade glioma?</h2><p>We don’t know what causes a low grade glioma. A person with a medical condition called neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has a slightly increased risk of developing a low grade glioma. </p><p>However, there is no way to predict that a child will get a tumour. Nobody is to blame if a child develops a tumour.<br></p><p>Researchers have also been studying whether environmental factors, such as food or chemicals, can cause brain tumours. At the moment, there is no definite proof that there is a connection. </p><h2>How many other children have low grade gliomas?</h2><p>Low grade gliomas are the most common type of brain tumour in children. Overall, about half of all brain tumours in children are astrocytomas. In Canada about 100 children are diagnosed with a low grade glioma each year. </p><h2>What are the medical symptoms of a low grade glioma?</h2><p>Common symptoms of a low grade glioma are headaches, vomiting, and double vision. The symptoms depend mainly on the location of the glioma. Other symptoms can include seizures, hydrocephalus, lack of coordination, and balance problems. </p> For more information, please see:
<p></p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1323&language=English">Diagnosis of Low Grade Gliomas </a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1356&language=English">Treatment of Low Grade Gliomas </a></li></ul>
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