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Astrocytoma

Authors:
  • Michael Jubinville, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Astrocytoma

(Brain Tumor; Glioma)

Definition

Astrocytoma IDH mutated is a type of brain tumor. An astrocytoma is a type of the larger group of brain tumors called gliomas. Astrocytoma IDH mutated is a tumor whose cells have a mutation in the IDH1 or IDH2 genes.

Brain Tumor

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Causes

Cancer is when cells grow out of control. The cells form a clump of tissue called a growth or tumor. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues. It can then spread to other parts of the brain and the body. It is not clear exactly what causes these problems.

Risk Factors

A person's chances of an astrocytoma IDH mutated could be higher due to:

  • Age—it is most common in people 30 to 64 years of age
  • Having radiation to the head in the past
  • Rare diseases passed from parents to children such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or neurofibromatosis type 1 or type 2

Symptoms

Tumor growth can make pressure in the brain higher. This may lead to:

  • Headaches
  • Double vision
  • Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms depend on where the tumor is:

  • Frontal lobe—Changes in mood and personality, weak muscles on one side of the body
  • Temporal lobe—Problems with coordination, speech, and memory
  • Parietal lobe—Problems with touch, writing, or fine motor skills
  • Occipital lobe—Vision problems and hallucinations

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. The answers and a physical exam may raise concern about an astrocytoma.

The doctor may also want to do:

  • Imaging tests such as:
  • Biopsy/craniotomy—a sample of brain tissue is taken and tested

Grading

Astrocytoma IDH mutated are graded from 2 to 4. These grades provide information on how aggressive the tumor is. Grade 4 is more aggressive and can spread to other parts of the brain and spinal cord.

Treatment

The tumor's location, size, and grade will guide treatment. It may include:

Surgery

Surgery will remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses radiation to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may given by mouth or IV. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent an astrocytoma IDH mutated since the cause is unknown.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Adult central nervous system (CNS) tumors treatment (PDQ®)—health professional version. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq.
  • Astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/Astrocytoma-and-oligodendroglioma-in-adults.
  • Astrocytomas. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/pediatric-cancers/astrocytomas.
  • Oligoastrocytoma. American Brain Tumor Association website. Available at: https://www.abta.org/tumor_types/oligoastrocytoma.
Last Updated:
2023-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.