Glioma: The Most Common Brain Cancer in Children and Young People
Gliomas are a type of brain tumor that originates in the glial cells, which support the nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain. Gliomas are the most common type of brain cancer found in children and young people, and they can be classified based on the type of glial cell involved, their growth potential, and their level of aggressiveness.
The exact cause of gliomas is unknown, but there is a hereditary component that can make some children more susceptible to developing a brain tumor. Symptoms of glioma can include headaches, seizures, vision problems, slurred speech, and changes in behavior.
Treatment options for glioma vary depending on the grade of the tumor and its location. Some low-grade tumors may be treated with surgery alone, while others may require numerous surgeries or treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and proton beam radiotherapy.
What is Brain Cancer, in Particular Gliomas?
Brain cancer involves the growth of abnormal cells in the brain tissue that multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass known as a tumor. A tumor is essentially a cluster of cells that grow and divide more than they should or do not die when they should. These brain tumors can be categorized as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumors are typically slower growing, do not spread to other parts of the body, and once removed, they usually do not reoccur. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow rapidly, invade nearby tissue, and often spread to other areas of the body.
Gliomas are a common type of tumor originating in the brain. Research suggests about 33% of all brain tumors are gliomas, which originate in the glial cells that surround and support neurons in the brain, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells.
Gliomas are categorized based on the type of glial cell involved, their growth potential, and their level of aggressiveness.
Why Are Gliomas the Most Common Type of Brain Cancer Found in Children and Young People?
We can’t say for certain what causes glioma. However, there is a hereditary component that can make some children more susceptible to developing a brain tumor. For example, there is a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis that causes tumors to grow along the nerves, which can increase the risk of a brain tumor developing.
During childhood and adolescence, the brain is still developing and changing, which involves the rapid and extensive growth of glial cells. Studies show that the genetic structure of gliomas in children and young adults (which refers to the arrangement of DNA in the glioma) tends to be different to that of adult tumors.
However, the current research surrounding this is inconclusive; the processes involved in the development of gliomas in children and young adults are complex and tend to be influenced by a combination of numerous factors, which is currently the subject of ongoing research.
What Are the Early Signs and Symptoms Parents Should Look Out For?
There are a number of symptoms that parents can look out for. Headaches, seizures, vision problems, slurred speech, or changes in behavior can all indicate an underlying issue. Signs or symptoms can vary, however, and can depend on the specific location of the tumor.
It’s important to speak to your GP about any concerns you have, as they will be able to conduct the relevant tests to determine whether there is something wrong.
What Treatment is Available?
There are different grades of glioma, and some are more treatable than others. Some low-grade tumors may be treated with surgery alone. Others may require numerous surgeries, or treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and proton beam radiotherapy.
The location of the tumor is an important factor when it comes to treatment options. Some brain tumors cannot be removed by surgery, meaning that chemotherapy and radiation is the best course of action.
Cancer treatment is continuously advancing. More children are now being cured of cancer than ever before, and doctors are always looking for new, more effective treatment methods.
