Glial Tumor

WHAT IS A GLIAL TUMOR?

Brain tumors are divided into two types: primary (primary) and secondary (secondary) tumors. Secondary tumors are formed by the spread of cancers that occur outside the brain to the brain through metastasis. Tumors consisting of the brain’s own cells may also differ depending on the cell in which they are formed among themselves. Dec. Brain cells are generally divided into two types: neurons, that is, normal nerve cells, and the cells that support them, Glial cells. Glial cells are defined as the support cells of the brain. Tumors arising from these cells are called Glial tumors. In general, the vast majority of tumors consisting of the brain’s own cells (primary brain tumor) are Glial tumors. Glial tumors can progress benign as well as malignant.

A detailed neurological examination is performed first in patients who are admitted to a Brain and Nerve Diseases specialist with symptoms that may be signs of a glial tumor, such as impaired olfaction, visual impairment, seizures, limb weakness. During the neurological examination, the patient’s vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes are checked.

Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard in the diagnosis of glial tumors. The tumor tissue can be easily determined by Magnetic Resonance imaging. Computed Tomography (CT) can give an idea to the doctor, especially in high-grade tumors, because there is edema around the tumor and tissue changes, but MRI is necessary for a complete diagnosis.

There is no need for a blood or urine test to clarify the diagnosis after Magnetic Resonance imaging.

The exact determination of the type and degree of the tumor determined by Magnetic Resonance becomes clearer after the pathology examination after the surgical procedure.

HOW IS GLIAL TUMOR TREATMENT PERFORMED?

The treatment of glial tumors is determined according to the size of the tumor, at what stage it is and its location in the brain. In addition, age and the general health status of the patient play an important role in the planning of treatment. Surgical procedures are at the forefront in the treatment of glial tumors. Whether the character of the tumor is benign or malignant, surgery is the first option that should be evaluated when planning the patient’s treatment. It is known that the removal of the entire tumor in low-grade glial masses (pilocytic astrocytoma) provides a complete treatment. Long-term MRI follow-up is also required for grade 2 tumors, which are in the class of low-grade Glial tumors. However, in high-grade Glial tumors (grade 3 and grade 4 ), patients should receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy after removal of the tumor. In some specific cases, such as the presence of the tumor in specific areas of the brain, the general condition of the patient is not suitable for surgery, a pathological diagnosis is made by taking only a biopsy from the patient, and the patient is referred to the Radiation Oncology department for Radiation Therapy.

In recent years, as with tumors of other organs, smart drug studies have also come to the fore in the treatment of brain tumors. Smart drug therapies are used if genetic tests are appropriate for grade 4 Glial tumors that have undergone surgery, but not for recurrent tumors and tumors that have not benefited from radiation therapy.