Gliomas

Gliomas arise from the "gluey," or supportive tissue of the brain. There are several different types of gliomas. The type of glioma is determined by the cells that give rise to the tumor. Astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, glioblastoma, oligoastrocytoma are all examples of gliomas.

Click on the blue text for more detailed information. Scroll down the page to see the entire list of articles on this page.

Benign vs. Malignant
An explanation of what makes some brain tumors "benign" and some "malignant," how the word "cancer" is used in the brain tumor community,  the difference between tumor "grade" and "stage," and help understanding the meaning of all these words.  

About Astrocytomas 
When this file opens, scroll down to "Astrocytoma" section for an introduction to astrocytomas, a diagram of an astrocyte, and information about grade I, II, III (also called anaplastic astrocytoma) and grade IV astrocytoma (also called glioblastoma or gliobastoma multiforme). 

Low Grade Astrocytomas
This article overviews the diagnosis and treatment of low grade astrocytoma in both children and adults

High grade gliomas: What patients and families need to know
Glioblastoma multiforme, anaplastic astrocytoma, and higher grade oligodendrogliomas are referred to as "high grade gliomas." This article, written by a physician, explains what newly diagnosed families need to know about their treatment options. It also offers questions to ask your physician about your treatment plan.

Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Anaplastic astrocytoma, malignant astrocytoma, and astrocytoma grade III are names for the same tumor. This article addresses grade III and grade IV astrocytomas (which are also called glioblastoma multifome).

Glioblastoma Multiforme 
Glioblastoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and grade IV astrocytoma are different names for the same tumor. This article reviews treatment options for this type of tumor.

Glioblastoma - Moving Research into Treatment
A review article about glioblastoma (also called astrocytoma grade IV) what we know about its origin, current research and treatment options.

Oligodendroglioma and Oligoastrocytoma
An oligodendroglioma that is mixed with astrocytoma cells (see the introduction above) is called an oligoastrocytomas. This booklet reviews the diagnosis and treatment of both oligodendroglioma and oligoastrocytoma.

Oligodendroglioma - Moving Research into Treatment
A review article about oligodendroglioma and oligoastrocytoma, what we know about their origin, current research and treatment options.

Advances in Treating Brain Tumors
An easy-to-read introduction to recent changes in the way brain tumors are diagnosed and treated. The article focuses on malignant tumors.

Treating Brain Tumors
Visit this section of the ABTA web site for detailed information about surgery, radiation therapies, chemotherapy, steroids, clinical trials, new treatments, and alternative and complementary therapies.

Stay Updated
This free service sends you monthly e-mail updates of new treatments in development, clinical trial results, research study results, and news from the brain tumor community. Follow the link to sign up for these complimentary ABTA e-mail bulletins.

Care & Support
This wonderfully supportive area of the ABTA web site offers tips, techniques, and resources for people living with the diagnosis of a brain tumor.

April, 2010