Astrocytoma Research Paper
Introduction
Astrocytoma is a type of brain cancer. Astrocytomas are tumors that develop from star-shaped cells called astrocytes. Astrocytes are a type of brain cell that normally help to provide nutrition, oxygen, and structural support to the brain tissue. Astrocytomas may appear in different parts of the brain and nervous system.
What are the causes?
A tumor is formed when astrocytes grow into a mass of tissue. The exact cause of why the normal brain cells grow into a mass of tissue is not known.
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
Radiation exposure.
Genetics.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of astrocytoma may depend on the size and location of the tumor. Possible …show more content…
symptoms include:
Headache, which may be worse in the morning.
Nausea and vomiting.
Vision changes.
Seizures.
Not being able to walk.
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or in an arm or leg.
Mood changes.
Problems with memory or thinking.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on a medical history and a physical exam. Brain imaging tests will also be done, such as a CT scan or MRI. A sample of the tumor will be taken and studied in a laboratory (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis.
How is this treated?
Because some types of astrocytomas are very slow growing, treatment is sometimes delayed until symptoms affect daily activities. Regular monitoring is done to track the tumor’s growth and to help your health care provider decide when treatment is appropriate. Astrocytomas that grow more quickly usually require treatment right away. They may even grow back after treatment.
Several kinds of treatment are used for astrocytoma, including:
Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
High-energy rays (radiation therapy) to help shrink or kill the tumor.
Chemotherapy to shrink or kill the tumor. Because normal cells may also be killed, chemotherapy has many side effects.
Targeted therapy. This uses substances that injure or kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
Steroid medicine to decrease brain swelling and improve
symptoms.
Follow these instructions at home:
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Consider joining a support group.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
Any symptoms come back.
You have diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
You cannot eat or drink what you need.
You are more weak or tired than usual.
You lose weight without trying.
Get help right away if:
Your diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain does not go away.
You have new symptoms, such as vision problems or trouble walking.
You have a seizure.
You have bleeding that does not stop.
You have trouble breathing.
You have a fever.
Astrocytoma is a type of brain cancer. Astrocytomas are tumors that develop from star-shaped cells called astrocytes. Astrocytes are a type of brain cell that normally help to provide nutrition, oxygen, and structural support to the brain tissue. Astrocytomas may appear in different parts of the brain and nervous system.
What are the causes?
A tumor is formed when astrocytes grow into a mass of tissue. The exact cause of why the normal brain cells grow into a mass of tissue is not known.
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
Radiation exposure.
Genetics.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of astrocytoma may depend on the size and location of the tumor. Possible …show more content…
symptoms include:
Headache, which may be worse in the morning.
Nausea and vomiting.
Vision changes.
Seizures.
Not being able to walk.
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or in an arm or leg.
Mood changes.
Problems with memory or thinking.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on a medical history and a physical exam. Brain imaging tests will also be done, such as a CT scan or MRI. A sample of the tumor will be taken and studied in a laboratory (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis.
How is this treated?
Because some types of astrocytomas are very slow growing, treatment is sometimes delayed until symptoms affect daily activities. Regular monitoring is done to track the tumor’s growth and to help your health care provider decide when treatment is appropriate. Astrocytomas that grow more quickly usually require treatment right away. They may even grow back after treatment.
Several kinds of treatment are used for astrocytoma, including:
Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
High-energy rays (radiation therapy) to help shrink or kill the tumor.
Chemotherapy to shrink or kill the tumor. Because normal cells may also be killed, chemotherapy has many side effects.
Targeted therapy. This uses substances that injure or kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
Steroid medicine to decrease brain swelling and improve
symptoms.
Follow these instructions at home:
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Consider joining a support group.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
Any symptoms come back.
You have diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
You cannot eat or drink what you need.
You are more weak or tired than usual.
You lose weight without trying.
Get help right away if:
Your diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain does not go away.
You have new symptoms, such as vision problems or trouble walking.
You have a seizure.
You have bleeding that does not stop.
You have trouble breathing.
You have a fever.