Glioma of the central nervous system (CNS) is a type of tumor that develops from glial cells, which are the supportive cells in the brain and spinal cord. Glial cells help support, nourish, and protect neurons, the primary cells responsible for sending and receiving signals in the nervous system. Gliomas can arise from different types of glial cells including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. Gliomas are considered primary CNS tumors, meaning they originate within the brain or spinal cord rather than spreading from elsewhere. They can affect both children and adults and account for a significant portion of brain and CNS tumors. Common types of gliomas include:
- Astrocytomas: Tumors from astrocytes, most common glioma type.
- Glioblastomas: The most aggressive form of astrocytoma.
- Oligodendrogliomas: Tumors from oligodendrocytes that produce the myelin sheath.
- Ependymomas: Tumors from ependymal cells lining brain ventricles and spinal cord.
Symptoms vary depending on tumor location but may include headaches, seizures, weakness, vision changes, and cognitive or behavioral changes due to pressure or damage to brain tissue. Gliomas are graded by severity and aggressiveness, with grades ranging from low (slow-growing) to high (malignant, fast-growing). Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In summary, a glioma is a tumor arising from the glial cells in the central nervous system, primarily the brain and spinal cord, with various subtypes and grades affecting symptoms, prognosis, and treatment options. This tumor type represents a major category of primary brain tumors.
