Astrocytic Tumor

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Astrocytic gliomas are the most common tumors affecting the primary central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord. In fact, they account for up to two-thirds of all tumors that involve the glial cells. These cells surround the neurons in the brain and provide support and insulation between them.

One of the most abundant glial cell types is the astrocytes. These star-shaped brain cells keep nerve cells healthy. It is here in the astrocytes that astrocytic tumors form.

Doctors at the Florida Hospital Brain and Spinal Cancer Program have extensive experience with all forms of astrocytic tumors, from the extremely rare to the fairly common. Advanced diagnostics and treatments are utilized to combat these tumors at their various stages of growth.

Astrocytic tumors include:

• Brain stem glioma (glee-oh-ma): This type of brain tumor begins in the brain stem, which connects the rest of the brain to the spinal cord. It is often a high-grade tumor, because it can spread quickly through the brain stem and be difficult to cure. It accounts for 5% of adult brain tumors.
• Pineal astrocytic tumor (Pie-knee-al as-tro-sit-ick): A pineal astrocytic tumor originates in the tissue around the pineal gland. This gland is a tiny organ in the brain that produces melatonin, the hormone that helps control your sleep and waking cycles. Pineal astrocytic tumors can be any grade.
• Diffuse astrocytoma (as-tro-sy-toe-ma): Growing slowing, diffuse astrocytoma often spreads to nearby tissues as its name suggests. This growth can form in any part of the brain but is most often found in the cerebral hemisphere, or the "thinking" part of the brain. It is most common in young adults, but can occur in children and older adults.
• Anaplastic astrocytoma : Although this form of cancer grows quickly and can spread to nearby tissues, it rarely spreads beyond the brain and spinal cord. It is usually located in the cerebrum.
• Glioblastoma (glee-oh-blass-toe-ma): Glioblastomas grow and spread very quickly. It most often forms in the cerebrum of adults. This type of tumor accounts for almost 50% of all astrocytic tumors and most commonly diagnosed in adults 45-74 years of age.