Astrocytoma

Astrocytoma is a primary brain tumor arising from the glial cells of the nervous system, specifically the astrocytes. These tumors are graded on a 3 or 4-point scale based on their differentiation and aggressiveness. The World Health Organization uses a 4-point scale: Grade 1 — pilocytic or low grade astrocytomas; Grade 2 — diffuse astrocytomas; Grade 3 — anaplastic (malignant) astrocytomas; Grade 4 — glioblastoma multiforme (most common and most malignant). In addition to these four tumor grades, astrocytomas may combine with oligodendrocytes to produce oligoastrocytoma and other variants. They may arise in the cerebral hemispheres, in the cerebellum, brainstem, optic nerves or spinal cord. Tumor-related symptoms depend on their location; for cerebral astrocytomas, the most common symptoms are seizures and headache. Treatment of astrocytomas usually involves surgical debulking, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temazolamide. Learn more.