Astrocytoma Grade III and IV: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/04/01 - Updated: 2023/01/28
Category Topic: Brain Cancer and Tumors - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Astrocytoma is a tumor that begins in the brain or spinal cord in small star-shaped cells called astrocytes. Although cancer is rare in children, brain tumors are the most common type of childhood cancer other than leukemia and lymphoma.
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 Content
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.
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.