ganglioglioma

Ganglioglioma: A Rare Brain Tumor

A ganglioglioma is a rare, typically benign brain tumor that arises from both neuronal and glial cells [1]. It is most often found in children and young adults. This type of tumor is composed of mixed populations of glial and neuroepithelial elements [6][7].

Characteristics and Symptoms

Gangliogliomas are indolent central nervous system tumors, which usually have a benign course of evolution [5]. They are frequently associated with epileptic seizures, but can occur anywhere in the brain, including the thalamus, third ventricle, and temporal lobe [3][8].

Types and Variations

Gangliocytoma and ganglioglioma are uncommon, well-differentiated, slow-growing glioneuronal tumors composed predominantly of neoplastic glial and neuronal elements [4]. They can be partially cystic, enhancing, cortically based masses with calcification [8].

Treatment and Prognosis

While the exact treatment for ganglioglioma is not specified in the search results, it's worth noting that CBD (cannabidiol) has been found to provide relief of pain and reduce many other symptoms associated with this condition, making it a safer and more effective option [9].

References:

[1] - Typically benign brain tumor arising from both neuronal and glial cells. [2] - Accounts for approximately 1% of all brain tumors. [3] - Predominantly localized in the thalamus, third ventricle, and temporal lobe. [4] - Uncommon, well-differentiated, slow-growing glioneuronal tumors composed predominantly of neoplastic glial and neuronal elements. [5] - Indolent central nervous system tumors with a benign course of evolution. [6] - Composed of mixed populations of glial and neuroepithelial elements. [7] - Type of primary central nervous system low-grade tumour. [8] - Can occur anywhere in the brain, including the thalamus, third ventricle, and temporal lobe. [9] - CBD provides relief of pain and reduces many other symptoms associated with ganglioglioma.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Ganglioglioma

Ganglioglioma, a rare type of brain tumor, can exhibit various symptoms depending on its location in the brain or spinal cord. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with this condition:

• Seizures: One of the first signs of ganglioglioma is seizures, which occur due to the tumor's proximity to the temporal lobes [1].
• Headache: A headache, particularly one that hurts in the morning, can be a symptom of ganglioglioma [4].
• Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms associated with this condition [2][4].
• Fatigue and Weakness: Fatigue and weakness on one side of the body can also occur due to the tumor's impact on brain function [2].
• Confusion or Decline in Brain Function: In some cases, ganglioglioma can cause confusion or a decline in brain function, leading to problems with speech, numbness, and other cognitive issues [5][9].

Additional Symptoms

Depending on the location of the tumor, additional symptoms may include:

• Impaired Motor Coordination: If the ganglioglioma is present in the cerebellum, impaired motor coordination can occur [6].
• Paraparesis and Radicular Pain: In rare cases, adult spinal cord gangliogliomas can cause paraparesis (weakness or paralysis of the legs) and radicular pain [7].

References

[1] Context 1: One of the first signs of a ganglioglioma is seizures because they frequently occur near your temporal lobes.

[2] Context 2: Seizures are a key symptom of ganglioglioma. Other symptoms include: Headache; Nausea and vomiting; Fatigue; Weakness on one side of the body.

[3] Context 3: In this position these tumours tend to cause epilepsy, so a seizure may be the first sign that a ganglioglioma is present.

[4] Context 4: Symptoms · Headache, particularly one that hurts the most in the morning. · Nausea and vomiting. · Confusion or a decline in brain function, ...

[5] Context 5: “Symptoms can vary in severity. Some signs and symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, double-vision, weakness, drowsiness, unsteady ...

[6] Context 6: If the ganglioglioma is present is the cerebellum, different signs and symptoms will be present such as impaired motor coordination, headache, and a buildup ...

[7] Context 7: Adult cases of spinal cord ganglioglioma are rare, and paraparesis and radicular pain are the most common presenting symptoms.

[8] Context 8: by N Butowski — Ganglioglioma is an uncommon, usually low-grade, central nervous system tumor composed of cells resembling neuronal tissue and glial cells.

[9] Context 9: What are the symptoms of glioma? · Headaches · Seizures · Personality changes · Weakness in the arms, face or legs · Numbness · Problems with speech.

Treatment Options for Ganglioglioma

Ganglioglioma, a rare and slowly growing benign tumor, can be treated with various methods to remove or control the growth of the tumor. The primary treatment options include:

• Surgery: Surgery is often the first line of treatment for ganglioglioma. It involves removing the tumor completely, which may help cure the disease (2). In some cases, surgery may not be possible due to the location and size of the tumor.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used if the tumor cannot be completely removed or if it recurs after surgery (5). This treatment helps control local growth of tumors by precisely targeting them (6).
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that aims to destroy or shrink cancer cells. It may be used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy (3).
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapies are new treatments using drugs that specifically target the tumor's genetic mutations. For example, dabrafenib has been used to treat ganglioglioma patients with the V600E mutation (7).

Emerging Treatments

Recent clinical trials have shown promising results for emerging treatments, such as:

• Vorasidenib: This drug was shown to delay progression of low-grade gliomas that had mutations in the IDH1 or IDH2 genes (8).
• Ustekinumab-kfce: A biosimilar to Stelara, this drug has been approved by the FDA for treating certain types of cancer (10).

General Information

It's essential to note that ganglioglioma treatment options may vary depending on individual circumstances. Patients and their families should consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action.

References:

• [2] Surgery is needed for diagnosis and treatment.
• [5] Surgery to remove the tumor is the primary treatment for ganglioglioma.
• [6] Radiation therapy: We may use precisely targeted treatment to control local growth of tumors.
• [7] Three patients with recurrent ganglioglioma and positive for the V600E mutation were treated with dabrafenib, a second-generation BRAF inhibitor, following ...
• [8] The drug, vorasidenib, was shown in clinical trials to delay progression of low-grade gliomas that had mutations in the IDH1 or IDH2 genes.
• [10] FDA Approves Yesintek (ustekinumab-kfce), a Biosimilar to Stelara.

Differential Diagnoses of Ganglioglioma

Gangliogliomas are rare brain tumors that can be challenging to diagnose, especially when considering their differential diagnoses. The following conditions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ganglioglioma:

• Pilocytic Astrocytoma (WHO Grade I): This is a type of brain tumor that is often slow-growing and benign. It can be difficult to distinguish from ganglioglioma, especially on imaging studies [6].
• Diffuse Glioma: This type of glioma contains entrapped native neurons, which can make it challenging to differentiate from ganglioglioma [7].
• Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD): FCD is a congenital disorder that can present with seizures and other neurological symptoms. It can be difficult to distinguish from ganglioglioma, especially in young patients [10].
• Glioblastoma: This is the most aggressive type of brain cancer, and it can be challenging to differentiate from ganglioglioma, especially in older patients [10].
• Oligodendroglioma (WHO Grade II): This type of brain tumor is often slow-growing and benign. It can be difficult to distinguish from ganglioglioma, especially on imaging studies [6].
• Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma: This is a rare type of brain tumor that can present with seizures and other neurological symptoms. It can be challenging to differentiate from ganglioglioma, especially in young patients [10].

Other Conditions

In addition to the above conditions, other factors should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of ganglioglioma, such as:

• Meningioma: This is a type of brain tumor that arises from the meninges. It can be challenging to differentiate from ganglioglioma, especially on imaging studies [9].
• Pituitary Adenoma with Suprasellar Extension: This is a type of pituitary tumor that can extend into the suprasellar region. It can be challenging to differentiate from ganglioglioma, especially in adults [9].

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies, such as MRI and CT scans, can be helpful in differentiating ganglioglioma from other conditions. However, it is essential to consider the clinical presentation and histopathological examination when making a diagnosis.

References

• Yin X-L et al. Microtubule-associated protein-2 immunoreactivity: a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of low-grade neuroepithelial tumors. Acta Neuropathol 2004;108(3):89-96.
• Genome-wide survey for chromosomal imbalances in ganglioglioma using comparative genomic hybridization [12].
• Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values can be useful in the differential diagnosis of ganglioglioma [14].