What Are The Different Types Of Astrocytic Brain Tumours?

According to a leading neurologist in Darbhanga, who specializes in brain tumour treatment in Darbhanga, astrocytic tumours begins in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, which help keep nerve cells healthy. Astrocytes are a type of glial cells, which perform 4 main functions. These include surrounding neurons and holding them in place, supplying nutrients and oxygen to neurons, insulating one neuron from another, and destroying and removing the carcasses of dead neurons. Tumours which form in glial cells are called gliomas. In this article, we’ll discuss about the types of astrocytic brain tumours, with inputs from a leading neuro specialist at a super-specialty hospital in Darbhanga, which is a renowned neuro hospital.

• Brain stem glioma (usually high grade)

A brain stem glioma forms in the brain stem, which is the part of the brain connected to the spinal cord. It is often a high-grade tumor, which spreads widely through the brain stem and is hard to cure. Brain stem gliomas are rare in adults.

• Pineal astrocytic tumor (any grade)

A pineal astrocytic tumor forms in tissue around the pineal gland and may be any grade. The pineal gland is a tiny organ in the brain that makes melatonin, a hormone that helps control the sleeping and waking cycle.

• Pilocytic astrocytoma (grade I)

A pilocytic astrocytoma grows slowly in the brain or spinal cord. It may be in the form of a cyst and rarely spreads into nearby tissues. Pilocytic astrocytomas can often be cured.

• Diffuse astrocytoma (grade II)

A diffuse astrocytoma grows slowly, but often spreads into nearby tissues. The tumor cells look something like normal cells. In some cases, a diffuse astrocytoma can be cured. It is also called a low-grade diffuse astrocytoma.

• Anaplastic astrocytoma (grade III)

An anaplastic astrocytoma grows quickly and spreads into nearby tissues. The tumor cells look different from normal cells. This type of tumor usually cannot be cured. An anaplastic astrocytoma is also called a malignant astrocytoma or high-grade astrocytoma.

• Glioblastoma (grade IV)

A glioblastoma grows and spreads very quickly. The tumor cells look very different from normal cells. This type of tumor usually cannot be cured. It is also called glioblastoma multiforme.

The hospital in Darbhangamentioned above has experienced neurologist doctors that have been in the medical vocation for years. The hospital is located at VIP Road, Allalpatti in Darbhanga, Bihar. You can also book an appointment at the hospital’s website prior to visiting the hospital.