Astrocytoma (patient information)
Template:Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (patient information)
Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.; Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]
Overview
Astrocytoma is a type of glioma that originates from astrocytes, which support and nourish the neurons and help repair the damage when the brain is injured. Astrocytoma occupies 30% of brain tumors. People with family history of astrocytoma and radiation exposure are more prone to astrocytoma. Astrocytoma can cause various neurological symptoms such as headache, seizures, drowsiness or even coma and patients are advised to seek urgent medical care for these symptoms. Imaging studies are the best diagnostic modality and chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are used to treat the disease. The prognosis depends on the staging of the disease.
What are the Symptoms of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma?
Some common symptoms of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma include:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Seizure
- Change in personality/behavior
- Memory loss
What Causes Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma?
The exact cause of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma is unknown but it is predominantly associated with tuberous sclerosis which is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes.
Who is at Highest Risk?
People with tuberous sclerosis have the highest risk of developing subependymal giant cell astrocytoma
Diagnosis
When patients present with signs and symptoms of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma, along with a thorough history and physical examination, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan of the head are used in the diagnosis of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
If acute symptoms such as headache, vomiting, confusion, and blurred vision should develop, or new onset of symptoms, seek urgent care immediately.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for subependymal giant cell astrocytoma include:
- Surgery: Surgery is the recommended therapy. It is usually done when patients present with a new set of symptoms, tumor growth is seen on imaging studies, or presents with acute symptoms. In cases that cannot be treated surgically, medical therapy can be used.
- Pharmacological therapy: This is used when surgery can't be done, which is when a patient presents with multiple tumors or the tumor has invaded neighboring structures. The preferred medical therapy is mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors which includes everolimus and rapamycin.
Where to find Medical Care for Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma
Prevention
There are no methods of preventing subependymal giant cell astrocytoma.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
- Where the astrocytoma formed in the CNS and if it has spread.
- Whether cancer cells remain after surgery.
- The type and grade of astrocytoma.
- Whether the child has NF1.
- Whether there are certain changes in the genes.
- The child’s age.
- Whether the astrocytoma has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
- For recurrent astrocytoma, prognosis and treatment depend on how much time passed from the time treatment ended to the time the astrocytoma recurred.