Patient education: Astrocytoma (The Basics)

What is an astrocytoma? — 

This is a type of brain tumor. Brain tumors happen when normal cells in the brain change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. Brain tumors are sometimes named after the type of cell they look like. Astrocytomas are named after a type of cell called "astrocytes."

There are different kinds of astrocytomas. Some grow slowly, and others grow much more quickly. Fast-growing astrocytomas are a form of brain cancer. A slow-growing astrocytoma can sometimes change into a fast-growing one.

As an astrocytoma grows, it can spread into healthy parts of the brain. It can also cause the brain to swell. Both of these things can cause symptoms.

What are the symptoms of an astrocytoma? — 

The symptoms can include:

●Headaches that might get worse at night and even wake you up – Sometimes, a headache from an astrocytoma can get worse when you bend over or change positions. Some people have a dull, constant headache.

●Seizures – A person who has a seizure might stiffen up, have jerking movements of their arms and legs, pass out, or lose muscle control.

●Memory problems, or trouble thinking clearly

●Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs

●Vision changes, such as double vision or a loss of vision

●Problems talking, such as trouble finding the right word for something

●Personality changes

Other conditions can also cause these symptoms. But tell your doctor or nurse if you have any of these symptoms.

Will I need tests? — 

Yes. The doctor will do an exam and order imaging tests. These can include an MRI, a CT scan, or other tests. They create pictures of the brain that can show astrocytomas or other abnormal growths.

Your doctor might also do a test called a "biopsy." During a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue from the brain. Another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope to see if an astrocytoma is present.

If the doctor does surgery on the astrocytoma, they will do a biopsy on a sample of the tissue that is taken out. Either way, a biopsy can tell doctors more about the astrocytoma, including whether it is likely to spread or come back.

How is an astrocytoma treated? — 

Treatments can include:

●Surgery – Doctors try to remove as much of the astrocytoma as possible. Surgery can sometimes cure a type of astrocytoma called "pilocytic astrocytoma." Many other astrocytomas cannot be cured with surgery, but surgery might reduce symptoms and help people live longer.

Surgery can also cause more symptoms or problems. This is because doing surgery can hurt healthy parts of the brain.

●Radiation therapy – Radiation kills cancer cells. Doctors might give radiation therapy after surgery, or when surgery is not possible.

●Chemotherapy – These are medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Doctors sometimes give these medicines with radiation therapy or if an astrocytoma comes back after treatment.

●Targeted therapy – This works by blocking a certain part of a tumor, like a protein. Some types of astrocytoma can be treated with targeted therapy.

●Watchful waiting – If an astrocytoma is small and does not cause many symptoms, doctors might wait to see if it grows or spreads. The doctor can give medicine to control symptoms, such as seizures.

What happens after treatment? — 

You will have regular check-ups to see if the astrocytoma is coming back or spreading. These will usually include imaging tests of the brain.

Watch for the symptoms listed above, and any other symptoms you had before the doctor found the astrocytoma. Having symptoms could mean the astrocytoma has come back. Tell your doctor or nurse about any symptoms you have.

What if the astrocytoma comes back or spreads? — 

You might have more surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation. Your doctor or nurse will help you choose the best treatment.

More on this topic

Patient education: Brain cancer (The Basics)
Patient education: Headaches in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Seizures (The Basics)

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Patient education: High-grade glioma in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Headache causes and diagnosis in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Seizures in adults (Beyond the Basics)