Astrocytoma Grade III and IV: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Introduction

Astrocytoma is a tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small, star-shaped cells called astrocytes. Grade III Astrocytomas are moderately malignant.

Alternate Names: Anaplastic astrocytoma, anaplastic malignant astrocytoma, Astrocytoma Grade IV: glioblastoma multiforme(GBM), glioblastoma, mixed glioblastoma sarcoma, gliosarcoma astrocytoma grade IV, giant cell glioblastoma astrocytoma, spongioblastoma multiforme.

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Astrocytoma - Grade III and IV as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.

Main Item

Astrocytomas include anaplastic astrocytomas and sometimes the less malignant of the glioblastoma multiforme group. Grade IV Astrocytomas are highly malignant and include only glioblastoma multiforme types. Cerebellar astrocytomas start in the cerebellum, located at the brain's lower back.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls movement, balance, and posture. These tumors affect both adults and children. About 15-25% of all childhood brain tumors are cerebellar astrocytomas. Although cancer is rare in children, brain tumors are the most common type of childhood cancer other than leukemia and lymphoma.

Symptoms

The symptoms of astrocytoma vary and often depend on an individual's age and where the tumor is located. Symptoms include:

• Slow speech
• Loss of balance
• Trouble walking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Worsening handwriting
• Change in personality or behavior
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Unusual sleepiness or change in energy level
• Morning headache or headache that goes away after vomiting

Diagnosis

Diagnostic testing for astrocytoma includes:

An examination of the brain and spinal cord, CT scan, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Sometimes, it is preferable to obtain diagnostic information from CT scans or MRIs rather than from a biopsy. Astrocytoma is removed by surgery. If a brain tumor is suspected, a biopsy is performed.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the location of the tumor and its progression. Standard treatment is surgery followed by radiation therapy. If surgery is not an option, radiation therapy is given. Chemotherapy is sometimes given during or after radiation therapy.

Astrocytomas tend to grow and become more malignant over time. Brain stem gliomas have relatively poor prognoses. The overall median survival is between 44 and 74 weeks.