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Understanding Astrocytoma: Symptoms, Types, and Treatments

Astrocytoma is the most common type of glioma tumor that develops in the brain and spinal cord. It is more common in men than women and usually appears after the age of 45. Astrocytomas get their name from astrocytes, the star-shaped cells in the brain where they form. Approximately 50% of primary brain tumors are astrocytomas.

Symptoms of Astrocytoma

As an astrocytoma grows and puts pressure on the brain, it can cause various symptoms depending on its size and location. Early symptoms may include:

  • Headaches

  • Blurry vision

  • Seizures

  • Memory loss

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Changes in behavior

Types and Grades of Astrocytoma

Astrocytomas are graded on a scale from I to IV based on the abnormality of the cells and their growth rate. Grade IV tumors are the most aggressive. Most astrocytomas in adults are high-grade, meaning the cells look abnormal and grow quickly.

The main types of astrocytoma include:

  • Anaplastic astrocytomas: Rare, grade III tumors that grow quickly and spread to nearby tissue. They are difficult to remove completely due to their tentacle-like fingers that grow into nearby brain tissue.

  • Glioblastomas: Also known as grade IV astrocytomas, these account for over 50% of all astrocytomas. They grow very quickly and are challenging to treat because they often consist of a mix of different cancer cell types.

  • Diffuse astrocytomas: Slow-growing tumors that can spread into nearby tissue. They are considered low-grade (grade II) but can develop into higher-grade tumors.

  • Pineal astrocytic tumors: Can be any grade and form around the pineal gland, a tiny organ in the cerebrum that produces melatonin, which helps regulate sleep and waking cycles.

  • Brain stem gliomas: Rare in adults, these gliomas form in the brain stem, which connects to the spinal cord.

  • Pilocytic astrocytomas and subependymal giant cell astrocytomas: More common in children and considered grade I.

Treatment Options for Astrocytoma

Treatment plans for astrocytoma depend on factors such as the type, location, growth rate, and symptoms. The main treatment options include:

  • Surgery: The first step is usually to remove the entire tumor or as much as possible. Surgery may be curative for grade I tumors but is less likely to remove all of a higher-grade tumor.

  • Radiation: Often follows surgery to target any remaining cancer cells that could not be removed or if surgeons are unsure they removed the entire tumor.

  • Chemotherapy: Commonly used for glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, either before or after radiation. In some cases, chemotherapy wafers may be implanted during surgery.

  • Targeted therapy: A newer treatment that targets specific proteins that help tumors grow, unlike chemotherapy which affects all rapidly dividing cells.

  • Electric-field therapy: Uses electrical fields to target tumor cells while sparing normal cells. The FDA-approved Optune device is used with chemotherapy after surgery and radiation for newly diagnosed patients and those with recurrent glioblastoma.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an astrocytoma, it is essential to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. With advancements in research and treatment options, there is hope for managing this condition and improving quality of life.

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