Gliomas

A glioma is a tumor that begins in glial cells, which help support and protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas may be slow-growing or fast-growing, and their symptoms depend on the tumor’s location, size and how it affects nearby brain tissue.

Care often involves a coordinated team that may include neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, rehabilitation and supportive care. At Baptist Health, patients with brain tumors may benefit from advanced treatment planning, radiosurgery, clinical research and collaboration across Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care and Baptist Health Cancer Care.

Gliomas are grouped by the type of glial cell involved and by tumor grade. Lower-grade gliomas tend to grow more slowly, while higher-grade gliomas grow more quickly and are more likely to return after treatment.

Common types include:

• Astrocytoma: Begins in star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes
• Oligodendroglioma: Begins in cells that support the protective covering around nerves
• Ependymoma: Begins in cells lining the fluid-filled spaces of the brain or spinal cord
• High-grade gliomas (including glioblastoma), which are more aggressive and require specialized care

Tumor type, grade, molecular markers and location all help guide treatment. Some tumors may be located near areas that control speech, movement, memory or vision, which can affect whether surgery, radiosurgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other therapies are recommended.

Glioma symptoms can develop gradually or appear suddenly, especially if the tumor causes swelling, bleeding or seizures. Symptoms vary based on which part of the brain or spinal cord is affected.

Common symptoms may include:

• New or worsening headaches
• Seizures
• Nausea or vomiting, especially with headaches
• Weakness, numbness or balance problems
• Vision, speech or hearing changes
• Memory problems, confusion or personality changes
• Difficulty concentrating or completing daily tasks
• Fatigue or changes in sleep patterns

A new seizure, sudden weakness, severe headache, confusion, vision loss or speech difficulty should be evaluated right away. Some symptoms can resemble other neurological conditions, including stroke, so prompt diagnosis is important.

Most gliomas do not have one clear cause. They develop when cells in the brain or spinal cord acquire changes that allow them to grow abnormally. These changes are usually not inherited, although rare genetic syndromes can increase risk.

Risk factors that may be associated with glioma include older age, prior radiation exposure to the head and certain inherited tumor syndromes. Family history can play a role in rare cases, but most people diagnosed with glioma do not have a known family history of brain tumors.

Having a risk factor does not mean someone will develop a glioma. Likewise, many people with glioma have no identifiable risk factor. A specialist can review personal history, imaging results and tumor testing to help explain the diagnosis and guide next steps.

Diagnosing glioma usually begins with a neurological exam and detailed imaging of the brain or spine. MRI is often the main imaging test because it helps doctors see the tumor’s location, size and relationship to nearby brain structures.

Additional testing may include CT scans, advanced MRI techniques, functional brain mapping, blood tests and biopsy or surgery to obtain tumor tissue. A pathologist studies the tissue to determine tumor type, grade and molecular features. These details are important because they help the care team personalize treatment and estimate how the tumor may behave.

For tumors near critical brain regions, doctors may use preoperative mapping to reduce the risk of affecting speech, movement or other important functions. Depending on tumor location, surgical planning may involve approaches related to skull base surgery or other advanced neurosurgical techniques.

Treatment for glioma depends on the tumor’s type, grade, location, molecular profile and the patient’s overall health and goals. Because these tumors can be complex, care often involves several therapies used together.

Treatment may include:

• Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Tumor-treating fields
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Rehabilitation and symptom management

Some patients may be candidates for radiosurgery, especially for certain tumor locations or recurrence patterns.

Baptist Health teams may also discuss clinical trials when appropriate through clinical trials and research programs.

Gliomas can cause complications by affecting brain tissue, increasing pressure inside the skull or interfering with normal neurological function. Complications may come from the tumor itself or from treatment.

Possible complications include seizures, swelling in the brain, headaches, weakness, changes in speech or vision, cognitive changes, mood changes, balance problems and fatigue. Tumors in or near the spine may cause pain, numbness or weakness and may need evaluation alongside related conditions such as a spinal tumor.

The care team monitors for complications throughout treatment and survivorship. Rehabilitation, medications, supportive care and follow-up imaging may help manage symptoms and preserve daily function.

There is no proven way to prevent most gliomas. Because most cases do not have a clear cause, prevention focuses on awareness, early evaluation of concerning neurological symptoms and ongoing follow-up for people with known risk factors.

People with a history of radiation exposure to the head or rare inherited cancer syndromes should talk with a specialist about whether monitoring is appropriate. Anyone with new seizures, persistent neurological symptoms or worsening headaches should seek medical evaluation.

Healthy habits cannot guarantee prevention, but they can support overall brain and body health during diagnosis, treatment and recovery. These may include staying physically active as tolerated, eating well, getting adequate sleep, managing other health conditions and keeping follow-up appointments.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a glioma, a timely evaluation with a brain tumor specialist can help clarify the diagnosis and treatment options. Bring prior imaging, pathology reports, medication lists and questions to your appointment so the care team can review the full picture.

To schedule a visit with a Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provider, fill out an appointment request form or call 833-596-3876.