Glioma & Glioblastoma
Glioma and Glioblastoma Expert Information
Gliomas are a type of primary brain tumour that originate within the brain tissue. Gliomas can be be slow growing, termed Low Grade Glioma (LGG), or they may grow more quickly, termed High Grade Gliomas (HGG or Glioblastoma). Gliomas are formed from tissue of the brain called glial tissue, and include tumours called astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas.
Astrocytomas are the most common type of glioma and begin in a brain cell called an "astrocyte." These cells help give your brain its structure. An astrocytoma can form in your brain, in your brain stem or in your spinal cord. There are many types of astrocytomas. They can be cancerous or noncancerous. They can grow slowly or quickly.
Gliomas can cause a range of symptoms such as headaches, seizures, visual problems or weakness in your arms and legs. Other gliomas may cause no symptoms and may be diagnosed during investigations ordered for other reasons. The diagnosis of a brain tumour generally requires a scan of the brain, usually a CT or MRI.
The options for treating brain gliomas include surgery to remove the tumour, surgical biopsy, or adopting a watch-and-wait approach. Sometimes treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy will be recommended. Dr Oehme manages gliomas in a multi-disciplinary holistic approach as part of an experienced team of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nurses and other health professionals at St Vincent's Hospital.
Watch the video below for more general information about gliomas.
