Low-Grade Glioma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 7, 2024.
A low-grade glioma is a brain tumor. The tumor is formed in cells that support the neurons in your brain. Neurons are responsible for movement, thought processing, and senses. Most low-grade gliomas grow slowly and are more common in children and adults younger than 40.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Intake and output
is done so healthcare providers can keep track of the amount of liquid you are getting and urinating.
Oxygen
may be needed if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils.
Medicines:
- Anticonvulsant medicine is given to prevent or control seizures.
- Steroids are given to decrease swelling in the brain.
- Antinausea medicine is given to calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
Tests:
- Blood tests are done to check for tumor markers and to monitor your organ function.
- A neurologic exam is done to check brain function. Your healthcare provider will check how your pupils react to light. He or she may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.
- An EEG, also called an electroencephalogram, is done to monitor your brain wave activity. Small pads or metal discs are placed on your head. Each has a wire that is hooked to a machine. This machine prints a paper tracing your brain wave activity from different parts of your brain.
- A CT scan, MRI, or PET scan of your brain is done to look check the size and location of your tumor. The tests are also done to check how well your treatment is working. You may be given dye to help your brain show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- A biopsy may be done to learn what type of tumor you have. A sample of brain tissue will be taken during a procedure or surgery and sent to a lab for tests.
- An angiogram is used to find and check blood vessels in your brain that surround the tumor.
Treatment
depends on the location and type of tumor that you have. You may need any of the following:
- Surgery may be used to remove part or all of the tumor. Ask for more information about surgery for low-grade gliomas.
- Chemotherapy can shrink and kill tumor cells. When the tumor is smaller, you may need surgery to remove the rest. Your healthcare provider may use blood tests to see how much chemotherapy you need.
- Radiation uses x-rays or gamma rays to kill tumor cells and keep them from spreading. Radiation may be given after surgery to kill any tumor cells that were not removed.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
A low-grade glioma may grow and put pressure on nearby brain structures. The pressure may worsen your symptoms, such as vision and movement problems, seizures, and confusion. A growing tumor can also put pressure on your nerves and blood vessels. You may be a higher risk for a stroke, which can be life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Low-Grade Glioma
Treatment options
- Medications for Brain Tumor
- Medications for Central Nervous System Disorders
- Medications for Low-Grade Glioma
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.