Complete Information on Astrocytoma with Treatment and Prevention

Astrocytomas are the most common glioma, accounting for about half of all primary brain and spinal cord tumors. The remainder of astrocytomas are unclassified unique variants. Futhermore, some tumors may show histologic similarities to multiple glia, e.g. oligoastrocytomas. The existence of such tumors brings debate as to the proper origin of gliomas: possibly cancer stem cells, not the glia themselves. For patients with anaplastic astrocytomas, the growth rate and interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis is intermediate between low-grade astrocytomas and glioblastomas. There are different types of astrocytomas, and these lesions are classified into several categories according to their appearance under a microscope.

Astrocytomas are the most common variety of glioma and may be benign or malignant. The first symptoms of astrocytoma, or any brain tumor, can be caused by increased pressure in the brain as the tumor grows. Like all brain tumors, astrocytomas are very serious and are usually described by the medical community based upon their grade. People of all ages can develop astrocytomas, but they are more common in adults, particularly middle-aged men. Astrocytomas in the base of the brain are more common in children or young people. In young children, the growing pressure of an astrocytoma tumor inside the skull may enlarge the head. Changes (such as swelling) may be observed in the back of the eye, where the blind spot is. Usually there are no changes in temperature, blood pressure, pulse or respiratory rates except just before death.

General symptoms of an astrocytoma tumor are an outcome of growing force inside the skull. These symptoms include worry, vomiting and psychological position changes. Regional effects of astrocytomas include compression, intrusion, and devastation of mind parenchyma. Arterial and venous hypoxia, competition for nutrients, release of metabolic end products, and release and recruitment of cellular mediators disrupt normal parenchymal function. Other symptoms, such as drowsiness, lethargy, obtuseness, personality changes, disordered conduct and impaired mental faculties show up early in about one out of every four patients with malignant brain tumors. Frequently, however, many of the initial signs of a tumor, which stem from increased pressure in the cranium, are the same for all tumor types and locations, and may include headaches, nausea, and adverse changes in eyesight.

Generally, maintenance of patients with mind tumors is primarily directed by a neurologist or specialist in neurooncology. Patients with an astrocytoma and a story of seizures should obtain anticonvulsant therapy with monitoring of the drug density in the blood flow. The consumption of corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, yields speedy advance in most patients incidental to a decrease of tumor mass consequence. However, high-grade tumors often have tentacle-like structures that invade surrounding tissues, making it more difficult to remove the entire tumor. If the tumor cannot be completely removed, surgery can still reduce or control tumor size. Concurrent prophylaxis for gastrointestinal ulcers should be prescribed with corticosteroid administration. Radiation therapy is required to treat gliomas. Radiation therapy may also be beneficial in the short-term for tumors that have spread from other parts of the body.