An astrocytoma is a type of brain tumour that forms in the brain or spinal cord. It consists of a group of cells that clump together, usually randomly, and can be either benign or cancerous. Because the cells that clump together and form a tumour are called astrocytes, the tumour is known as an astrocytoma. Astrocytes are responsible for connecting nerves and nerve fibres throughout the brain and spinal cord.
There are several different types of astrocytomas, and they can be either cancerous or non-cancerous. Non-cancerous astrocytomas are known as pilocytic, pleomorphic, subependymal giant cell astrocytomas. Cancerous tumours, on the other hand, are considered Grade 2 or Grade 3 astrocytomas or glioblastomas.
There are many potential signs and symptoms of astrocytomas. These symptoms will vary depending on the location and size of the tumour, as well as whether it is cancerous or not. In general, here is what you can expect if you have an astrocytoma.
In the case of a brain tumour, you likely will not have back pain, but you will experience many of these other symptoms. Once again, the symptoms will vary from case to case, depending on the tumour’s size, location, and how advanced it is.
All astrocytomas are caused by abnormal groupings of cells, known as astrocytomas. However, what causes these cells to mutate and clump together into potentially cancerous masses varies. Unfortunately, despite years of research, medical and cancer experts do not know the exact cause of astrocytomas or why some of them are cancerous while others are not.
While the exact cause is unknown, as are many of the risk factors, there are two risk factors that researchers have confirmed – genetics and radiation. Radiation exposure can happen due to radiation therapy for previous cancer or medical treatment or because of your line of work. Genetic causes are when there is a genetic mutation to the IDH1 gene, resulting in a buildup of a chemical known as 2-GH inside healthy astrocyte cells.
Because the symptoms of astrocytomas are very similar to many other medical conditions, diagnosing based on symptoms alone is impossible. Here are some of the tests your doctor might use to confirm a diagnosis.
Many of the symptoms of astrocytomas affect your neural functioning. Therefore, your doctor may perform a neurological exam to test your balance, hearing, cognitive function, and other aspects of your mental acuity.
If your neurological tests show that you have deficits, your doctor will likely order imaging tests, such as an MRI or a CAT Scan. These tests will reveal whether or not you have a tumour in your brain or spinal cord.
Finally, your doctor can extract some of your astrocyte cells and test them for the presence of cancer. This procedure is known as a biopsy and is one of the best ways to diagnose astrocytomas.
There are several different ways to treat astrocytomas depending on where it is located, how advanced it is, and your physical condition. In most cases, surgery is the first course of treatment, with the goal being to remove the tumour. However, if the tumour is too advanced and has spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord, you will need radiation therapy and chemotherapy to slow the spread and kill cancer cells.
There are also alternative forms of treatment, such as targeted therapy and tumour-treating field therapy. The latter is often used with more aggressive forms of astrocytomas, while the former is used in conjunction with chemo and radiation. The key to treating astrocytomas is to catch them early, because advanced astrocytoma is extremely difficult to cure.