Gliomat

Gliomat, commonly called glioma, is a group of primary central nervous system tumors that arise from glial cells in the brain or spinal cord.

Gliomas are classified by histology and molecular features. The main types are astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas. The WHO system grades tumors from I to IV to reflect aggressiveness and prognosis, with molecular markers such as IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion increasingly used in diagnosis.

Symptoms vary by location but often include seizures, headaches, cognitive or motor changes, and, in some cases, signs of raised intracranial pressure.

Diagnosis relies on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast; biopsy or surgical resection provides tissue for histology and molecular testing.

Treatment typically involves maximal safe resection when possible, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Temozolomide is commonly used for high-grade tumors; treatment decisions are guided by markers such as IDH status and MGMT methylation, and by patient factors.

Prognosis is highly variable. Low-grade gliomas may progress slowly over years, while glioblastoma (grade IV) carries a median survival around 12–15 months despite therapy. Outcomes improve with younger age, good performance status, extensive resection, and favorable molecular features.

Epidemiology: gliomas are among the more common primary brain tumors in adults, with incidence around a few per 100,000 per year and higher risk with increasing age.