Delhi/NCR:

Mohali:

Dehradun:

Bathinda:

Mumbai:

Nagpur:

Lucknow:

BRAIN ATTACK:

01140554055

7710777107

01357193333

01645212039

02261347777

07127120000

05226780001

9910204023

Brain Stem Glioma

Brain Stem Glioma Treatment in Delhi, India

Get a Second Opinion

To Book an Appointment

Call Us+91 92688 80303

Overview

Glioma is a type of tumour in the brain and spinal cord. It begins in the gluey supportive cells (glial cells) that surround nerve cells and help them function. Gliomas are called intra-axial brain tumours because they grow within the brain's substance and often mix with normal brain tissue.

The brainstem is the brain area attached to the spinal cord and placed below the brain and just above the back of the neck. The brain stem is responsible for controlling breathing, heart rate, and muscles used in seeing, hearing, walking, talking, and eating.

It has got three parts, namely:

  • The midbrain, which originates from the centre of the brain.
  • The medulla oblongata, which joins to the spinal cord.
  • The pons, which is situated between the medulla oblongata and the midbrain.

Brain stem glioma is a form of central nervous tumour that takes place when cells in the brain stem undergo a change and begin to grow rapidly and out of control, thereby resulting in a tumour that can be either cancerous or benign. 

Usually, the brain stem glioma spreads by the time it is diagnosed. It spreads evenly through the brain stem. This form of tumour is generally very aggressive as it grows and extends rapidly. Very few brain stem tumours, which are termed focal tumours, are localised. 

Most brain stem tumours occur in the pons region, where surgery is difficult, thereby making brain stem glioma challenging to treat.

Brain stem glioma generally occurs in children between the age group of 5 and 10 years.

Classifications for Brain Stem Glioma

The general classifications for brain stem glioma are as follows:

  • Diffuse Brain Stem Glioma: This is the most common classification where the tumour spreads entirely throughout the pons and to the midbrain, the medulla, or surrounding parts of the brain. These are preferred to be high-grade tumours, very aggressive and carry atypical-looking cells.
  • Focal Brain Stem Glioma: About 20% of brain stem tumours belong to this category and are confined within a small area of the brain stem. They usually happen in the midbrain or medulla rather than the pons. These are benign or low-grade tumours and are less aggressive.

Symptoms of Brain Stem Glioma

Sometimes, children do not have any of the changes or symptoms, or in certain cases, the cause of a symptom may be attributed to a different medical condition that is not a brain stem glioma. Children with a brain stem glioma may encounter the following symptoms:

  • Double vision or inability to close the eyelids.
  • Drooping of the face.
  • Difficulty while chewing as well as swallowing food.
  • Weakness in the upper and lower extremities, clumsiness or wobbliness, and difficulty while walking.
  • Difficulty talking.
  • Headache
  • Vomiting

Diagnosis of Brain Stem Glioma

Apart from a physical examination being conducted by the doctor, the following tests may be recommended to diagnose this condition:

  • MRI: An MRI uses magnetic fields to generate detailed images of the body. A special dye is administered before the scan to obtain a clearer picture. This dye can be inserted into a patient's vein.
  • Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan: CT scan can be used to assess the size of the tumour. At times, a contrast medium is administered before the start of the scan to provide better results on the image. This dye can be inserted into a patient's vein or given as a tablet or in liquid form to swallow. To ascertain a brain stem glioma, this test generally does not provide adequate detail to reach a definite diagnosis, and hence, an MRI is still required.
  • Biopsy: A biopsy is the withdrawal of a small tissue taken for detailed examination with the help of a microscope. A biopsy is generally not performed for the diffuse type of brain stem tumour. However, for a focal tumour, it is generally carried out to find out the type of tumour.

Brain Stem Glioma Treatment

Treatment options depend on various factors, like the type and grade of the tumour, possible side effects, the family's preferences, and the overall health of the child. The most common treatment approaches used for brain stem glioma in children are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Sometimes, these treatments are used together.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the preferable treatment option for children with brain stem glioma. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other particles to damage tumour cells. The most commonly given radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation therapy, which uses protons rather than X-rays.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the administration of drugs to destroy tumour cells, usually by keeping the tumour cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells. Chemotherapy is given by a medical oncologist. Systemic chemotherapy gets into the blood circulation in order to reach the tumour cells throughout the body. 

Surgery

Surgical intervention is the elimination of the tumour and a few surrounding tissues during an operation. Surgery is done to treat brain stem glioma only when the tumour looks focal on an MRI scan. 

Complications of Brain Stem Glioma

Systemic complications and postoperative neurological deterioration are common. Respiratory failure, dysphagia, and pulmonary aspiration are possible life-threatening postoperative complications that may occur days or weeks after surgery. The impaired respiratory drive may result in progressive carbon dioxide retention and hypoxia, leading to respiratory arrest. Damage to these nerves impairs swallowing and protective and coughing reflexes and may result in dysphagia, vocal cord paralysis, and gastric stasis. 

Outlook

With the latest research in the medical field and advances in technology, the brain stem glioma survival rate in adults is on an upward trend and will continue to climb as new treatment options emerge. Clinical trials and patient experiences all contribute to clinicians’ knowledge base, and the outlook is constantly improving.

Review

Reviewed by Prof. (Dr). V.K.Jain, Principal Director - Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosciences, Spine Surgery. 


Other Conditions & Treatments

Get Second Opinion

Get free second opinion from India’s leading specialists.

Email - digitalquery@maxhealthcare.com

Our Medical Experts

Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.

Our Medical Experts

Max Healthcare is home to 5000 eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.

Find a Doctor
Find a Doctor

Specialist in Location

Top Blogs