Living with Glioma
A group of brain tumors that grow from the cells that support and surround nerve cells.
Understanding Glioma
Glial tumors are grouped by the type of glial cell involved. Astrocytomas come from star-shaped cells called astrocytes, ependymomas from cells lining the brain's fluid spaces and the center of the spinal cord, and oligodendrogliomas from oligodendrocytes. Symptoms vary by type.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary by type of tumor. GARD says they may include:
- Headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or personality changes
- Trouble with balance
- Vision problems or speech difficulties
- Seizures
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and cancer specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the exact cause is unknown. In most cases glial tumors occur sporadically, in people with no family history of the condition.
Also known as: glial neoplasm; glial tumor; glial tumour; neoplasm of neuroglia; neoplasm of the neuroglia; neuroglial neoplasm
Patient organizations
- Alex's Lemonade Stand FoundationGlioma · United States
- National Brain Tumor SocietyGlioma · United States
- Pediatric Brain Tumor FoundationGlioma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Glioma.
Explore research for Glioma
Explore actively recruiting Glioma studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Glioma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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