What is a glioma?
A glioma is a tumor that arises from supportive cells in the brain called glia. Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults.
What are low-grade and high-grade gliomas?
Gliomas range from benign (“low-grade”) tumors that can be cured with removal to malignant (“high-grade”) tumors. Low-grade tumors are more common in children and young adults, and high-grade tumors are more common in the middle-aged and elderly.
What is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma (also referred to as GBM) is the most common form of glioma in adults, and it is a malignant brain tumor. GBM is also referred to as a grade 4 glioma. It is the tumor that Senators John McCain and Ted Kennedy had, for example.
How is a glioma diagnosed?
Treatment for a glioma usually begins with confirming the diagnosis with a biopsy or tumor removal. The appearance of a tumor on an MRI can give us clues about what it is, but there is no substitute for a tissue sample, which allows a pathologist to perform detailed genetic analysis of the tumor.
How do you decide between a biopsy and removal?
Sometimes I perform a minimally invasive biopsy with just a needle; other times, I remove as much as possible of the tumor with a craniotomy. This choice depends on factors such as the location and size of the tumor, whether it is growing in one or more than one spot in the brain, as well as the general health of the patient. A craniotomy with brain mapping may be needed depending on the location of the glioma.
If you are considering or planning a craniotomy, my guide for patients having a craniotomy for brain tumor/lesion explains how to prepare and what to expect before and after surgery.
Photos of Gliomas
Should I meet with you?
I have a particular interest in caring for patients with gliomas and glioblastomas. If you or a family member is affected, please consider meeting me in consultation to learn more. You can also review my craniotomy guide for patients.