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Gliomas

A tumor that occurs in the brain and in the spinal cord is called a glioma. This type of tumor forms in the supportive cells that are known as the glial cells. These gluey cells surround nerve cells in order to help them function. 

There are three types of glial cells that are capable of producing tumors. A glioma is classified according to the type of glial cell that formed the tumor.

The types of glioma include:

  • Astrocytomas – which include astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma
  • Ependymomas – which including anaplastic ependymoma, myxopapillary ependymoma and subependymoma
  • Oligodendrogliomas –  which including oligodendroglioma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligoastrocytoma

The symptoms a person can experience with a glioma are similar to those produced by other brain tumors and depend on size and location of the area of the brain that is affected. Much like other brain tumors, some symptoms include headaches, seizures, physical weakness, visual symptoms, language problems, memory loss  and personality changes. As the tumor continues to grow, the symptoms may worsen or change.

The type of glioma helps determine treatment and a prognosis. In general, glioma treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and experimental clinical trials.

Currently, Delray Medical Center is taking part in a worldwide clinical trial for the treatment of gliomas. 

More Information

8 Ways to Improve Brain Health

Do you find it hard to commit to working out regularly, only to see minimal results when you look in the mirror? Don’t give up. Taking small steps to improve your health makes more of an impact than you know. It improves what’s on the inside, including your brain.

As the most complex organ in the body, the brain regulates much of what you do every day – walk, talk and breathe. It controls your thoughts and memories, which have been known to fade with age.

You may not be able to see the improvements in a mirror, but it’s never too late to start taking care of your brain to help avoid disease and memory loss. Think about how easy it can be to improve brain health with these eight tips.


Exercise regularly.
(30 min./day, 5 days/week)
Manage stress and anxiety.

Get enough sleep.
(18-60 years: 7 or more hours per night)
Watch your blood pressure.
(Normal: Less than 120/80 mm HG)

Maintain a healthy diet.
Keep your brain active.
(With puzzles, reading, drawing, etc.)

Stay away from tobacco.
Limit alcohol.
(2 drinks/day for men, 1 drink/day for women)

The best part about improving brain health is that these lifestyle changes can also make a major impact on your overall health. Get your head in the game, and take the steps needed to build a healthier future.

If you have any questions or need guidance on the best ways to improve your overall health, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Your safe care is our #1 priority.

Sources:
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Healthline
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Heart Association
National Institutes of Health
Harvard Health Publishing

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