Changes in mental function
Seizures
Speech difficulties
New weakness or numbness in one or more body parts
(eg, fingers, an entire leg, one side of the face)
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Adult-type diffuse glioma is a cancer that arises from certain types of brain
cells. Cancer cells
form when
cells in the body no longer behave normally due to mutations. These cells generally grow at a fast rate and
form tumors. Astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma
are all different types of
gliomas. They can
hinder normal brain function and cause various symptoms.
What are the common symptoms of glioma?
Symptoms of glioma can vary from patient to patient and can be affected by tumor
type and location.
Both before and after a glioma diagnosis, patients may experience:
Expand your knowledge about glioma
As your guide, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Learn more with this short video, Glioma 101.
Glioma diagnosis and management
Appointment
Brain scan
Resection/biopsy
Mutational testing
Diagnosis
Both the size and location of your tumor(s) will have an impact on whether the tumor can be removed and how much of it can be removed. While there is still a chance that the tumor will grow again after a resection, it is more likely to start growing later on than if it wasn’t removed at all.
If your tumor cannot be removed entirely, you may have a small sample of it removed to be analyzed. The sample will be sent to a pathology lab where doctors will determine what kind of tumor it is. Even though it cannot be removed, the report from the lab will help you and your doctor choose the next step on your journey. If a biopsy cannot be done, your doctor will use your brain scans to help you determine your next course of action.
Following a resection, biopsy, or brain scan, it’s possible that you and your doctor may decide to start a different treatment.
If your glioma has a mutation, there may be medication available to target that
mutation
- Discuss how you and your doctor can identify any mutations in your glioma and what that could mean for you
- Talk to your doctor about all your available treatment options
Understanding how gliomas are classified
Understanding the latest advancements: The Updated 2021 WHO glioma classifications
Before 2016, gliomas were classified according to what the cells looked like under a microscope, which could be interpreted differently from one healthcare provider to another.
With advancements in our understanding of mutations, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated the classification system in 2021, which created a more accurate way to categorize brain tumors.
Today, the standard practice for classifying gliomas is to obtain a genetic profile. This has created a database of information about the types of gliomas and their associated mutations.
The two main categories used are mutations in the IDH gene and 1p/19q-codeleted chromosomes.
The WHO now has 3 categories for classifying adult-type diffuse gliomas:
| Type of glioma | Associated mutations | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Astrocytoma | IDH-mutant | 2, 3, 4 |
| Oligodendroglioma | IDH-mutant, and 1p/19q-codeleted chromosomes | 2, 3 |
| Glioblastoma | IDH–wild-type (non-mutated IDH) | 4 |
Learn more about how mutations can impact your glioma
Learn more
The first step in your journey
By seeking information about glioma, you’ve already taken the first step in your treatment journey.
Understanding glioma, how it can be treated, and knowing what mutations your glioma may have will help you navigate this diagnosis.
Understanding glioma, how it can be treated, and knowing what mutations your glioma may have will help you navigate this diagnosis.
