Gliomas is a medical condition in which the supporting cells of the brain multiply without any control. When these cells grow in an abnormal amount, they form a tumor in the brain which can be cancerous or non-cancerous. In gliomas, the tumor cells resemble the normal healthy brain cells but they are not healthy. The tumor compresses the structures of the brain and causes symptoms according to the structure of the brain that is involved. There are many types of gliomas. Some of the gliomas grow slowly while some of the gliomas grow aggressively and can lead to life-threatening conditions if not properly managed. Gliomas mostly occur in adults but it can also present in children. The cause of gliomas is not clear but it is said that it can happen when the genetic mutations cause the growth of cells uncontrollably. There are also risk factors of gliomas that should be avoided to prevent complications like gliomas. Treatment of gliomas depends on the nature of abnormally growing cells and the condition of an individual patient at the time of diagnosis. Gliomas can severely affect the quality of life of patients if the major structures of the brain are compressed due to the presence of tumors.
Types of Gliomas Treatment India
Some of the types of treatment for gliomas are as follows:
- Surgery
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Tumor Treating Fields
- Palliative Care
Surgery
Surgery is mostly performed to treat gliomas. A surgical procedure is performed to remove the tumor of gliomas if the tumor can be safely removed without causing any damage to healthy tissues of the brain in the surrounding area.
Radiation Therapy
In radiation therapy, high-energy X-rays target and kill cancer cells. It can also be used with other treatments such as radiation therapy that is used after surgery to kill any remaining tumor cells in the brain.
Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy treatment, medications are used to kill the cancer cells by inhibiting their growth. Chemotherapy can also be used in combination with other treatments.
Targeted Therapy
Target drug therapy involves the use of some medications that kill the specific proteins that provide nutrition to cancer cells for their growth. It is an advanced treatment used to treat cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy medications are used to prepare the body’s natural defense system to fight against cancer cells. Immunotherapy medications are used as experimental treatment but it shows response.
Tumor Treating Fields
This is a more advanced treatment that uses electric fields to destroy the division of cancer cells by slowing their growth. It is often used with other treatment options.
Palliative Care
When cancer cells grow aggressively and involve the major parts of the brain, palliative treatment is used to relieve the symptoms of the patient. This treatment is mostly used when other treatments cannot cure the disease and the goal is to just improve the quality of life of patients.
Diagnosis of Gliomas Treatment India
Some of the diagnostic methods used for gliomas are described below:
Imaging Studies
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans are commonly used to obtain detailed pictures of the brain. These pictures can help identify gliomas' location, size, and nature.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: CT scans may be used to visualize brain tumors and their location.
Biopsy
A biopsy test is used to confirm the diagnosis of gliomas. During a biopsy, a small sample of the tumor tissue is removed to check under laboratory settings. Biopsy test also tells about the aggressive nature of tumor cells which helps in the treatment of disease.
Neurological Examination
A neurological examination is performed to examine the functions of the nervous system. This may involve reflexes, coordination, vision, and other functions. This is usually performed to find out the effect of a tumor on brain function.
Cerebral Angiography
This test involves injecting a contrast dye into blood vessels leading to the brain and taking X-rays. It can help visualize blood flow and detect abnormalities associated with gliomas.
Functional Brain Mapping
In some cases, functional brain mapping techniques like fMRI (functional MRI) may be used to identify involved brain areas and plan surgery according to findings.
Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)
In rare cases, a spinal tap or lumbar puncture test may be performed to examine fluid around the brain and spinal cord for signs of glioma.
Cost of Gliomas Treatment in India
The cost of glioma treatment in India ranges from 3100 USD to 4200 USD. The cost can vary according to the type of treatment used for gliomas. The cost can also vary according to the complications of each patient during surgery.
Gliomas Treatment 3196 USD 4262 USD
Symptoms and Risk factors
Symptoms of gliomas are according to the structure involved. Some of the symptoms of gliomas are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Changes in vision
- Cognitive changes
- Speech difficulties
- Weakness or numbness in limbs
- Balance problems
- Personality changes
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
- Difficulty with coordination
- Fatigue
- Hearing loss
- Trouble swallowing
- Changes in sensation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Speech difficulties
- Personality changes
Risk Factors of Gliomas
Some of the risk factors that are associated with gliomas are as follows:
Age
Gliomas mostly occur in old age. So the older age group has an increased risk of developing gliomas in the brain.
Family History
A positive family history of brain tumors also increases the risk of gliomas. This may be due to the genetic factors running from one generation to another.
Radiation Exposure
Long-term exposure to high-energy radiation also increases the risk of gliomas. Patients who receive radiation therapy in the previous treatment sessions for cancer are at more risk of developing gliomas.
Genetic Syndromes
Some genetic disorders are associated with an increased risk of gliomas. Genetic mutation which causes certain diseases also increases the risk of gliomas.
Certain Chemical Exposures
Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals may also increase the risk of gliomas. For example, chemicals used in the rubber industry and the oil refining industry can increase the risk.
Gender
Gliomas can affect both genders. But some types of gliomas mostly occur in the male population while other types are more commonly present in the female population.
Immune System Factors
Some research suggests that a patient with a weak defense system of the body can easily be affected by many diseases including infections, allergies, and gliomas. So patients with compromised immunity have an increased risk of gliomas.
Viral Infections
Some of the infections caused by the virus are also associated with an increased risk of gliomas.
11/14/2024
