Astrocytomas are tumors that develop from Astrocytes, star-shaped cells in the central nervous system. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that provides support to the brain. Apart from astrocytes, there are a few other types of glial cells. Tumors formed from glial cells are called gliomas. Astrocytoma can be treated by a neurosurgeon; Skedoc will help you find the best neurosurgeon near you in hyderabad.
Astrocytomas mainly develop in the brain but may also be seen in the spinal cord. Based on the pace of growth and abnormality in the cells, Astrocytoma is graded as I to IV, of which grade I is the milder version and grade IV is the highly aggressive with abnormal-looking and faster-growing cells. Grade I Astrocytomas can be non-cancerous, while grades II, III, and IV are cancerous.
DIAGNOSIS OF ASTROCYTOMA
Astrocytoma can be diagnosed based on the following tests.
- Neurological examination: Patients’ symptoms are asked about during the test, and examinations related to different reflexes in different areas of the brain and spinal cord are checked. Based on the result, the location related to the tumor is determined.
- Imaging tests: The location and size of the tumor are determined using MRI tests. MRI is the most commonly used imaging test for brain tumors and provides accurate results, but in patients with pacemakers and joint replacement implants where MRI cannot be used, CT or PET tests can be done.
- Biopsy: A small part of the tumor tissue is taken to examine in biopsy. However, in the case of Astrocytomas, the examination is usually done after surgical resection.
The test sample is sent for pathological examination to determine the level of abnormality in cells, their pace of growth, and also genetic material changes are looked for. The treatment is planned according to the test results.
TREATMENT OF ASTROCYTOMA
The treatment is based on several factors like size, location, tumor grade, health condition of the patient, etc. The following are the treatment options for Astrocytoma:
Surgical excision: The tumor is surgically removed, and a test sample is removed for biopsy. Grade I tumors are usually completely cured by surgery. The entire tumor removal is the treatment plan. But sometimes, due to several other factors, it is not possible to excise the tumor completely, and additional treatments may be needed. To book a doctor's appointment online with a top neurosurgeon, visit the Skedoc website.
Radiation therapy: Cancer cells are killed using a solid beam of energy directed toward the tumor site. This therapy is used after surgical treatment.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells and prevents them from increasing. It is a treatment procedure used after surgery, depending on the need. Chemotherapy using TMZ (temozolomide) is the first line of treatment for Grade III & IV tumors.
SUMMARY
The pain and stress that one has to go through the journey of any cancerous condition is understandable. A team of doctors will help you by preparing an individualized treatment plan based on the symptoms and diagnostic findings to improve patients’ quality of life.