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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. 

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7 Key Benefits of Robotic Surgery

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgery, you owe it to yourself to learn about all your options, including some of the most non-invasive surgical treatments available using robotic surgery. We live in a day and age when there are a myriad of medical advancements that can help us to live healthier, stronger and longer lives.

Through the use of robotic-assisted surgery, surgeons are now able to offer minimally invasive and more precise options for many complex surgical procedures—from knee replacements to cancer treatment.

To operate using the robotic system, a surgeon makes tiny incisions in the body and inserts miniaturized instruments and a high-definition three-dimensional camera. Sometimes skin incisions are not required at all. Then, from a nearby console, the surgeon manipulates those instruments to perform the operation.

During a robotic-assisted procedure, the surgeon uses master controls to manipulate the instruments, and the instruments translate that surgeon’s movements into precise movements inside your body. The surgeon is in control the whole time. The surgical system simply responds to the direction he or she provides.

For most patients, robotic surgery offers numerous benefits, including:
  • Reduced post-surgery pain
  • Less blood loss
  • Fewer and smaller scars
  • Increased precision for more accurate joint replacements
  • Faster recovery
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less risk of infection

Types of Robotic Surgery

Depending on the condition needed to be treated, there are different robotic surgery options. Not all hospitals offer all types, and some hospitals may have additional or other systems that use the same principles.

The systems allow for superior visualization, enhanced dexterity and improved control. If you feel that robotic surgery might be an appropriate treatment option for you, talk with your doctor to find out if you are a candidate for these innovative treatments.

 

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