Glioma

Also known as: mixed glioma, astrocytoma, ependymoma, optic glioma, gliomatosis cerebri

What is glioma?

Glioma is a form of cancer that develops from glial cells of the brain - those cells which support and nourish the neurons.

Gliomas can vary depending the type of glial cell found:

They also vary depending on their location (brainstem/optic nerve/spine or other part of the brain), and on their grade (depending on how normal or abnormal the cells appear):

low grade tumors (grades 1 and 2; 66%; localized and grow slowly)
higher grade (3 and 4 grow faster)

What causes glioma?

Cause is unknown, though it appears that some genetic disorders increase the likelihood of their development.

What are the symptoms of glioma?

Symptoms will vary depending on the exact type of glioma, its size and location. Some common symptoms include seizures, headaches, speech problems, numbness or weakness in the face, legs or arms.

What are glioma care options?

Treatments may include all or some of, surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, chemotherapy (before or after surgery), and radiation therapy.

Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: May 22, 2023 10:40 AM

Nephrology and Gastroenterology Research Roundup

April 22, 2025 – In recognition of World Kidney Month in March and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month in April, this month’s Research Roundup is dedicated to the incredible research being conducted in Nephrology and Gastroenterology. Research in these departments is advancing pediatric medicine affecting thousands of children in the U.S. diagnosed with rare disorders like Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and school-aged children reporting IBS-like symptoms.

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Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a rare brain tumor that grows in the upper parts of the brain from brain cells called astrocytes. Very rarely it may develop into cancer.

Anaplastic Astrocytoma

Astrocytomas are tumors that grow from the glial cells and make up almost 50% of childhood brain tumors, frequently occurring in children between 5-9 years of age.

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)

Tumors that start in the glial tissue at the base of the brain in the brainstem area called the Pons, just above the back of the neck, are called diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas.

Malignant Glioma

Gliomas are tumors formed from cells (glial cells) that hold the nerve cells in the brain in place, protect them and provide them with food and oxygen. Gliomas are divided into four grades of severity (1-1V) depending on the tumor cells’ appearance. The higher the grade the more severe the glioma.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common form of cancer treatment. It refers to exposing the body to beams of radiation that are used to kill cancer cells and prevent them from coming back.