WHAT IS A GLIOMA, WHO GRADE 4?
Glioma, WHO grade 4, includes glioblastoma as well as IDH mutated astrocytoma grade 4, and is the most common form of brain tumor in adults. Every year, about 400 people are diagnosed with glioma, WHO grade 4, in Sweden. There are slightly more men than women and most are diagnosed when they are older than 50. Of all those who get a malignant brain tumor, about a third are diagnosed with glioma, WHO grade 4.
Glioma, WHO grade 4, is formed in the cells that act as support tissue for the nerve cells in the brain. These cells are called glial cells. When these change and divide in an uncontrolled way, glioma, WHO grade 4, is formed.
WHY DO YOU GET GLIOMA, WHO GRADE 4?
Unfortunately, it is not known why glioma, WHO grade 4, develops. Ionizing radiation and certain very rare hereditary diseases may increase the risk. Some link between lifestyle factors such as diet. Tobacco and alcohol consumption have not been demonstrated.
WHY IS GLIOMA, WHO GRADE 4, DIFFICULT TO TREAT?
There are several reasons why glioma, WHO grade 4, is difficult to treat. It is a fast-growing tumor that often causes relapses. Surgery has long been and almost always the first-line treatment. Sometimes the tumor is located in a place that makes it impossible to operate. Even when the tumor is operable, it is difficult to remove all tumor cells and they can come back - this is called recurrence, recurrence or progression.
HOW IS GLIOMA, WHO GRADE 4 DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosis is made by a combination of several examinations: magnetic resonance imaging. CT scan and tissue sample [biopsy]. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory and only after that can the correct diagnosis be established.
SYMPTOMS OF GLIOMA, WHO GRADE 4
Common symptoms of glioma, WHO grade 4, can be epileptic seizures, paralysis, speech disorder, balance problems, diffuse mental symptoms and change in personality and mood. Severe headaches are common in brain tumors, but rarely occurs alone as a onset symptom.
