Astrocytoma

Diagnosis

As astrocytomas often present symptoms resembling those of various neurological disorders, healthcare providers face challenges in diagnosing and detecting them accurately.

The subsequent tests and procedures are employed for the diagnosis of an astrocytoma:

• Neurological examination: A healthcare provider will ask about the symptoms while performing a neurological examination. They will test the reflexes, strength, balance, coordination, vision, and hearing. The particular area of the brain that can be harmed by a brain tumor can be determined based on any problems found in these examinations.
• Imaging tests: Utilizing imaging techniques can aid in determining the precise location and dimensions of the brain tumor. Brain tumors are commonly diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It can be coupled with specialized MRI modalities like functional MRI, perfusion MRI, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to provide comprehensive insights.CT and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are examples of further imaging examinations.
• Tissue biopsy: A biopsy involves extracting a tissue sample from the tumor for examination. Frequently, this sample is acquired during the surgical removal of the astrocytoma. In cases where the tumor’s location poses challenges for surgical tools, a needle might be employed to obtain the sample. The method chosen depends on your individual circumstances. The extracted tissue is then sent to a laboratory for assessment. Tests conducted can ascertain the cell types present and their rate of growth.In-depth information regarding the properties of the tumor cells can be obtained from specialized tests. These studies might entail looking into changes in the DNA, or genetic material of the tumor cells. The results of these tests provide information about your prognosis. This important information is used by your healthcare team to develop an efficient treatment plan.

Treatment

The approach to treatment hinges on several factors, encompassing the tumor’s location, size, type, and the patient’s overall health. Potential treatments may encompass:

• Surgical removal of the astrocytoma: A neurosurgeon takes on the task of completely removing the astrocytoma. The goal is to completely remove the tumor. Sometimes it’s difficult to reach the tumor because of its position. In these circumstances, the dangers of full removal might be too high. However, symptoms can be lessened even if the astrocytoma is only partially removed. In certain individuals, surgery could suffice as the sole necessary treatment. However, for others, additional therapeutic measures might be advised to eliminate any lingering tumor cells and diminish the chances of tumor recurrence.
• Radiation therapy: Strong energy beams are used in radiation therapy to destroy tumor cells. Protons, among other choices, are one of these energy sources. The patient lies back on a table while receiving radiation therapy, while a machine moves around them. This device carefully sends focused beams to selected areas of the patient’s brain. The entire treatment procedure is of brief duration, typically spanning only a few minutes.Following surgery, radiation therapy may be used. When there is a higher probability of cancer recurrence or when the malignant tissue wasn’t completely removed during surgery, this method becomes important. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used in cases of malignancies that are rapidly growing back. A primary treatment plan that combines radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used when surgical intervention is not an option.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy employs potent medications to eliminate tumor cells. These medications can be administered either orally in pill form or through intravenous injection. On occasion, a disk-shaped wafer containing chemotherapy medicine can be placed in the brain post-surgery. It gradually dissolves over time, releasing the medication.Temozolomide (TMZ) works by modifying the DNA of tumor cells, ultimately causing cell death. TMZ is used as the main adjuvant therapy for all grade 3 and grade 4 astrocytomas. In some cases, medical professionals might also recommend TMZ for grade 2 astrocytomas.
• Bevacizumab: The medication is injected into the patient, and it works by blocking the role that blood vessels have in promoting tumor growth. It assists in reducing swelling and may help with symptom relief.
• Tumor-treating fields: The electrical fields produced by this particular equipment can slow the growth of tumors. Similar to a helmet, it is put on the head. For both freshly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastomas, healthcare providers may advise using this type of treatment.
• Clinical trials: Studies into new medicines are conducted in clinical trials. Trials like these provide people a chance to investigate cutting-edge therapeutic options. Unknown side effects are a possibility, nevertheless. Asking about the opportunity to take part in a clinical trial is best done by speaking with a member of the healthcare team.
• Supportive care: The goal of supportive care, commonly referred to as palliative care, is to manage various symptoms of a serious illness while also focusing on reducing pain. Palliative care specialists work together with you, your family, and other members of the healthcare team to provide additional support. Concurrent medical procedures like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy might be combined with palliative care. Palliative care frequently starts as soon as astrocytoma therapies begin. It’s important to remember that palliative care is an option that you don’t always have to wait to consider until issues occur.