What is a glioma?

A glioma is a type of brain or spinal cord tumor that starts from special brain cells called glial cells. These cells normally support, protect, and provide nutrition to the brain. When these cells start growing abnormally, they form a mass called a tumor. Gliomas are one of the most common types of brain tumors in adults.

Types of gliomas

The main types are:

• Astrocytoma

• Glioblastoma (GBM or glioblastoma multiforme) – the most aggressive type

• Oligodendroglioma

• Ependymoma

• Mixed glioma (Oligoastrocytoma)

• Optic glioma – affects the nerve connecting the eye to the brain
  
  

Causes

Gliomas occur when glial cells begin to grow and divide too much.
The exact reason for this abnormal growth is not known.

Risk factors

You may have a higher chance of developing a glioma if you:

• Are between 60 and 80 years old.

• Have been exposed to radiation, such as during earlier cancer treatment.

• Have contact with certain industrial chemicals (e.g., vinyl chloride).

• Have genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis type 1, Li–Fraumeni syndrome, or Turcot syndrome.

• Have a family history of certain cancers.
  
  

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the tumor’s size, type, and location in the brain. Common signs include:

• Headache (often worse in the morning or better after vomiting)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Seizures

• Vision, hearing, or speech problems

• Weakness, numbness, or balance problems (especially on one side)

• Personality or memory changes

• Tiredness or weight changes

Diagnosis

To diagnose glioma, your doctor will perform:

• A neurological examination

• Imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI

• A biopsy (taking a small piece of tumor for testing)

The biopsy helps determine the grade of the tumor:

• Low-grade: grows slowly

• High-grade: grows faster

There is no standard staging system for brain or spinal cord tumors. Instead, diagnosis focuses on tumor grade and genetic features.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the tumor’s size, location, and grade.
Sometimes more than one therapy is used.

Options include:

• Surgery: to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

• Radiation therapy: high-energy rays used to kill or shrink tumor cells.

  • Includes advanced types such as IMRT, proton therapy, or stereotactic radiosurgery.

• Chemotherapy: medicines that kill or shrink cancer cells (taken as pills or injections).

• Targeted therapy: medicines that attack specific cancer cells without harming normal ones.

• Immunotherapy: strengthens the body’s own immune system to fight the tumor.

• Clinical trials: access to newer treatments under research.

Other supportive treatments:

• Steroids to reduce brain swelling.

• Anti-seizure medicines.

• Rehabilitation therapy (physical, occupational, or speech therapy).

Gliomas can come back, so ongoing monitoring is essential.

Home care and follow-up

• Take medicines exactly as prescribed.

• Stay active and do exercises recommended by your therapist.

• Join a support group if possible.

• Discuss and manage treatment side effects with your doctor.

• Keep all follow-up visits — regular MRIs or checkups are vital to detect any recurrence early.
  
  

When to call your doctor

Contact your doctor if you:

• Notice new or worsening symptoms.

• Have trouble eating, drinking, or have persistent diarrhea.

• Feel unusually weak, confused, or unwell.
  
  

Get emergency help immediately if you:

• Have a seizure (especially for the first time).

• Develop new vision or walking problems.

• Have fever, breathing difficulty, or uncontrolled bleeding.

• Feel extremely drowsy or confused.

🚨 Do not wait for symptoms to get better on their own — get medical help immediately.

Key points

• Glioma is a tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord.

• Treatment often includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

• Regular follow-up and monitoring are critical since gliomas can return.

• Always report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.