Astrocytoma - Diagnosis and Treatment

Tumors that develop from Astrocytes are astrocytoma’s. Astrocytes are the star shaped cells in Central Nervous System. They are a type of glial cells. Supportive cells to the brain are provided by glial cells. A part from astrocytes there are a few other types of glial cells. Tumors formed from glial cells are called gliomas. Astrocytoma can be treated by Neurosurgeon, Skedoc will help you for finding the Best Neurosurgeon in Hyderabad near you

Astrocytoma’s mostly develop in brain, but they may also be seen in spinal cord. Based on the pace of growth and abnormality in the cells, Astrocytoma’s are graded as I to IV of which, grade I being milder version and grade IV being the highly aggressive with abnormal looking and faster growing cells. Grade I Astrocytoma’s can be non-cancerous in nature while grade II, III and IV are cancerous in nature


DIAGNOSIS OF ASTROCYTOMA

Astrocytoma can be diagnosed based on the following tests

Neurological examination: During the test, patients’ symptoms are asked and examination related to different reflexes related to different areas of the brain and spinal chord are checked for. Based on the result the location related to the tumor is determined.

Imaging tests: The location and size of the tumor are determined using MRI test. MRI is most commonly used imaging test for brain tumors and provides accurate results but, in patients with pacemakers and joint replacement implants where MRI cannot be used CT or PET tests can be done.

Biopsy: A small part of the tumor tissue is taken to examine in biopsy. But, in case of Astrocytoma’s the examination is usually done after surgical resection.

The test sample is sent for pathological examination to determine the level of abnormality in cells, their pace of growth and also genetic material changes are looked for. The treatment is planed according the test results.


TREATMENT OF ASTROCYTOMA

The treatment is based on several factors like size, location, tumor grade, health condition of the patient etc. Following are the treatment options for Astrocytoma’s:

Surgical excision: The tumor is Surgically removed and a test sample is removed for biopsy. Grade I tumors are completely cured by surgery. The entire tumor removal is the treatment plan usually. But sometimes it is not possible to excise the tumor completely due to several other factors and may need other additional treatments. To Book Doctor Appointment online with top Neurosurgeon visit Skedoc website

Radiation therapy: Cancer cells are killed in radiation therapy using a strong beam of energy directed toward the tumor site. This therapy is used after surgical treatment.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medication to kill the cancer cells and also prevents them from proliferation. It is a treatment procedure used after surgery depending upon the need. Chemotherapy using TMZ (temozolomide) is first line of treatment for Grade III & IV tumors. 

SUMMARY

The pain and stress that one has to go through the journey of any cancerous condition is understandable. A team of doctors will help you by preparing an individualized treatment plan based on the symptoms and diagnostic finding to improve patients’ quality of life.







Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is Acute Coronary Syndrome? What are the Causes of What is Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Best Home Remedies for Wrinkles and Finelines

Explain about Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion