adult astrocytic tumor

Common signs and symptoms of an adult astrocytic tumor include:

• Seizures [5]
• Headaches [5, 6, 7, 12]
• Personality changes [3, 5]
• Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg [5]
• Changes related to thinking, learning, concentrating, problem-solving, and decision-making [5]
• Difficulty speaking [7]
• Difficulty thinking or remembering [7]
• Changes in vision [6, 11]
• Trouble with balance [11]

Other symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the tumor.

It's worth noting that not all individuals with an astrocytic tumor will experience these symptoms, and some people may have more severe or different symptoms altogether.

References:

[3] - The effects of astrocytoma vary depending upon the area of the brain affected and the size and grade of the tumor. [5] - Common signs of an astrocytoma are seizures, headaches, and personality changes. Other symptoms may also be noted including weakness or numbness in an arm or leg or changes related to thinking, learning, concentrating, problem-solving, and decision-making. [6] - Symptoms of astrocytoma can include headaches, changes in vision, difficulty speaking and difficulty thinking or remembering. [7] - Symptoms of astrocytoma can include headaches, changes in vision, difficulty speaking and difficulty thinking or remembering. [11] - Signs and symptoms of astrocytoma include headaches, blurry or double vision, seizures, trouble with balance and ... [12] - Like most brain tumors, astrocytoma symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s type, size and location, but may include the following: Headaches; Seizures

Diagnostic Tests for Adult Astrocytic Tumors

Adult astrocytic tumors, also known as gliomas, are a type of brain cancer that originates from the supportive tissue of the brain called astrocytes. Diagnosing these tumors requires a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory studies.

• Imaging Tests: The most common diagnostic test for adult astrocytic tumors is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRI uses magnets, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the brain. It can help identify the location, size, and extent of the tumor [9]. A computed tomography (CT) scan may be used as an alternative if an MRI is not possible due to certain medical conditions [2].
• Functional MRI (fMRI): fMRI is a type of MRI that measures changes in blood flow in the brain. It can help identify areas of the brain affected by the tumor and monitor its growth [6].
• Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Tractography: DTI tractography is an imaging technique that maps the connections between different parts of the brain. It can help identify the tumor's location and its impact on surrounding brain tissue [6].
• Intraoperative Direct Cortical/Subcortical Mapping: This is a surgical technique used to map the brain's surface during surgery. It helps surgeons avoid critical areas of the brain when removing the tumor [6].
• Neurological Examination: A neurological examination involves checking for changes in vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength, and reflexes. These changes can indicate which part of the brain may be affected by a tumor [12][13].

Additional Tests

In addition to imaging tests and neurological examinations, doctors may also use other diagnostic methods such as:

• Biomarker or Molecular Studies: These studies involve analyzing tissue samples from the tumor for specific genetic markers. This can help identify the type of tumor and its aggressiveness [4].
• Gadolinium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging: This imaging technique uses a contrast agent to highlight areas of the brain affected by the tumor [8].

References

[1] MRI spectroscopy (MRS) is an imaging tool that provides information on the chemical composition of the tumor. It can help identify specific chemicals associated with tumors, such as choline and NAA [1]. [2] Computed Tomography (CT) scans may be used as an alternative to MRI in certain cases [2]. [3] Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in mitigating the serious consequences associated with astrocytomas [3]. [4] Biomarker or molecular studies can help identify specific genetic markers associated with the tumor [4]. [5] A neurological exam is used to diagnose astrocytoma, during which a doctor will ask about symptoms and learn an individual’s history, including past illnesses and treatments, along with family history [13].

Treatment Options for Adult Astrocytic Tumors

Adult astrocytic tumors, also known as gliomas, are a type of brain cancer that can be challenging to treat. While surgery and radiation therapy have been the mainstay of treatment for decades, recent advances in systemic agents and devices have improved survival rates.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy with TMZ (Temozolomide) is a common treatment option for adult astrocytic tumors. TMZ works by slightly modifying the DNA of tumor cells, triggering their breakage and death [9]. Studies have shown that chemotherapy can improve survival in patients with glioblastoma, the most common type of malignant primary brain tumor [14].
• Steroids: Steroids, such as dexamethasone, are often used to relieve symptoms caused by brain swelling associated with astrocytic tumors. This can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a newer approach that uses medications or devices to specifically target cancer cells. While still in the early stages of development, targeted therapy holds promise for improving treatment outcomes.

Recommendations from ASCO-SNO Guideline

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) have jointly developed a guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of adult astrocytic and oligodendroglial gliomas. This guideline recommends chemotherapy with TMZ as a standard treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma [12].

References

[9] May 29, 2024 - Chemotherapy with TMZ: Temozolomide (TMZ) is a drug which is taken by mouth and works by slightly modifying the DNA of tumor cells. This effect on the DNA triggers its breakage and consequent death of the cell, unless DNA repair mechanisms override the damage. [14] Introduction. Each year, more than 15,000 people in the United States are newly diagnosed with diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors, including glioblastoma, the most common type of malignant primary brain tumor encountered by oncologists. [12] An interview with Dr. Jaishri Blakeley from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, and Dr. Nimish Mohile from the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, NY, co-chairs on “Therapy for Diffuse Astrocytic and Oligodendroglial Tumors in Adults: ASCO-SNO Guideline”.

The differential diagnosis of adult astrocytic tumors involves considering various conditions that can mimic or be confused with astrocytomas. Here are some key points to consider:

• Pilocytic Astrocytoma: This type of tumor should be differentiated from diffusely growing astrocytic tumors, as they have a different genetic basis and generally do not infiltrate surrounding brain tissue [14].
• Diffuse Gliomas: The diagnosis of adult-type diffuse gliomas has been simplified by introducing revised diagnostic and grading criteria. IDH-mutant diffuse astrocytic tumors are considered a single entity graded as CNS WHO grade 2, 3, or 4 depending on different histological and molecular features [13].
• Oligodendroglioma: A comparison analysis between oligodendroglioma and astrocytic tumors excluding GBM was performed. Results showed that the presence of calcification, higher cortex involvement ratio, and lower Ve value were more representative of oligodendrogliomas than astrocytic tumors [15].
• Glioblastoma: Grade 4 astrocytomas (glioblastomas) account for 24% of all brain tumors. In adults, glioblastoma is the most common type of brain cancer [5].

It's essential to consider these conditions and others when making a differential diagnosis for adult astrocytic tumors.

References:

[13] - The revised diagnostic and grading criteria for adult-type diffuse gliomas. [14] - The differentiation between pilocytic astrocytoma and diffusely growing astrocytic tumors. [15] - The comparison analysis between oligodendroglioma and astrocytic tumors excluding GBM. [5] - The prevalence of grade 4 astrocytomas (glioblastomas) in adults.