The etiology of glioma

Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
Updated on September 21, 2024
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At present, there is no definitive conclusion regarding the specific causes of glioma. Clinically, it is generally considered the result of a combination of congenital genetic factors and acquired environmental factors. Usually, it is believed that there is a significant familial aggregation tendency in the family medical history of patients with gliomas, with a higher incidence of gliomas among family members. Additionally, acquired factors, such as severe cranial trauma followed by extensive proliferation of neuroglial cells, may induce incidents. Furthermore, severe intracranial infections, including unhealthy lifestyles, poor living environments, and the influence of radioactive materials, could potentially lead to the occurrence of gliomas.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Glioma Symptoms

The symptoms of glioma are numerous, and it is essential to make judgments based on the situation. The most common clinical manifestations are headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms may persist for a relatively long period and are relatively mild, not immediately noticeable at the time. Additionally, some patients may experience a decline in cognitive function, colloquially described as becoming less intelligent. This is especially common in gliomas of the frontal lobe. If the glioma is located in the occipital lobe, it often causes visual disturbances, such as blurred vision and visual field defects. In cases of temporal lobe gliomas, frequent seizures and impaired limb mobility may occur. For cerebellar gliomas, symptoms can include a decline in cognitive function and ataxia, among others.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
Neurosurgery
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Principles of Treatment for Glioma

For patients with glioma, the primary treatment method is still to surgically remove the tumor, followed by postoperative radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other related treatments. The main treatment principle is to detect, diagnose, and treat early. During surgery, the tumor should be removed as completely as possible, and it is advisable to receive postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy early to effectively consolidate the surgical treatment effects. This helps to kill tumor cells to the greatest extent, slow down the probability and timing of tumor recurrence, and extend the patient's lifespan as much as possible. Therefore, for patients with glioma, it is recommended to choose to seek surgical treatment at well-known, top-tier hospitals locally.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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Clinical manifestations of glioma

For patients with glioma, as it is a malignant tumor with a rapid growth rate, they may exhibit severe symptoms at the early stage of the disease, including severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, poor mental state, poor sleep quality at night, frequent insomnia and nightmares, and easy waking up. As the tumor increases in size, it often causes an increase in intracranial pressure. In severe cases, this may lead to optic disc edema, decreased vision, and visual field defects. Additionally, some patients may experience impairment in motor functions, manifesting as hemiplegia, and in some cases, aphasia. It is advised to undergo surgery in the early stages, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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Written by Gao Yi Shen
Neurosurgery
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Can gliomas be inherited?

Gliomas have a certain hereditary proportion, but this is not an absolute concept. In clinical practice, there is no clear explanation for the pathogenic factors of gliomas, and theories are generally speculative. For instance, one factor is genetic nature, and there is also some familial clustering which supports the idea of a genetic predisposition. However, it is usually easier to identify purely genetic diseases, but gliomas often involve the inheritance of multiple genes, making it difficult to pinpoint the fundamental factors directly. Additionally, other factors include exposure to radiation and engaging in harmful work, such as producing methanol or solvents, etc. These can also cause genetic mutations leading to gliomas, so the issue is not necessarily solely genetic.

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Written by Chen Yu Fei
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Causes of Glioma

Currently, there is no consensus on the specific causes of brain gliomas. Most scholars believe they result from a combination of congenital genetic factors and acquired factors. In the case of congenital factors, by tracing the medical history of patients with gliomas, it can be found that there is a tendency for a higher concentration of glioma cases among family members. Acquired factors are mostly seen in severe cranial trauma, extensive gliocyte proliferation, or due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, or long-term damage from highly polluted radiation, which may easily trigger the development of gliomas.