Anaplastic Astrocytoma
What is anaplastic astrocytoma?
Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare, malignant type of brain tumor. These tumors form out of astrocytes, which are the supportive cells in the nervous system. They can appear anywhere in the central nervous system, but they are most commonly in the cerebral hemispheres.
What are the symptoms of anaplastic astrocytoma?
Symptoms typically are the result of pressure on the brain and blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Movement can also be affected depending on where the tumor grows.
What causes anaplastic astrocytoma?
Medical professionals are unsure of the exact cause of these tumors. They believe that there are many contributing factors, such as genetics, immunologic abnormalities, diet, stress, environmental factors, and other factors.
There are also genetic disorders that heighten one’s chance of tumors, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome and tuberous sclerosis.
How is anaplastic astrocytoma diagnosed?
Doctors will look at a patient’s medical history and perform a clinical evaluation before using various tests. These tests include biopsies, MRIs, and CT scans.
What are the treatments for anaplastic astrocytoma?
The first treatment option is surgery to remove the growth. If the tumor has spread, radiation and chemotherapy will be used as well.
