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Learn MoreAstrocytomas are tumors of the brain and spinal cord that grow from cells called astrocytes. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell which make up the brain's supportive tissue. Astrocytomas are the most common type of childhood brain tumor. They account for about half of all central nervous system (CNS) tumors in children.
Where do astrocytomas develop? Astrocytoma tumors may develop in the cerebellum, cerebrum, brain stem, hypothalamus, visual pathway, or the spinal cord.
Astrocytomas in children include tumors such as:
Places for astrocytomas to develop include the:
Astrocytomas are classified as low-grade or high-grade based on how they look under the microscope. Treatment for astrocytoma usually includes surgery to remove the tumor. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy are often used along with surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Other treatments may be used based on the type of tumor.
The survival rate for pediatric astrocytoma depends on the type of tumor, where it is located, if it can be removed with surgery, and if there are other effective treatments for the tumor type.
Astrocytomas are a type of glioma. Gliomas are brain tumors that develop from glial cells that make up the brain’s supportive tissue. Gliomas may be named for the specific type of glial cell or the place in the brain they occur. Sometimes, doctors may refer to a brain tumor as a low-grade glioma or high-grade glioma.
Types of gliomas include:
Signs and symptoms of childhood astrocytoma can vary. Some tumors do not cause any symptoms until they grow to be very large. In some cases, symptoms may be gradual and hard to notice, especially in low-grade astrocytoma. Other times, symptoms may be severe and develop quickly, especially in the case of high-grade or fast-growing tumors.
Symptoms of astrocytoma depend on factors such as the child’s age, where the tumor is located, the size of the tumor, and how fast the tumor grows.
Astrocytoma symptoms in children may include:
As the tumor grows, it often blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This causes a buildup of fluid within the brain known as hydrocephalus. The fluid increases pressure in the brain (intracranial pressure). Some symptoms of astrocytoma may be due to hydrocephalus.
Tests to diagnose astrocytoma include:
Astrocytoma marked in an axial MRI
Coronal MRI with size markings for an astrocytoma
Sagittal MRI of astrocytoma
Astrocytoma tumors are classified by how they look under the microscope. A tumor is graded from grade I to grade IV. The more abnormal cells look, the higher the grade.
Grade I and II tumors are considered low grade. The cells look less aggressive and tend to grow slowly. The prognosis for low-grade astrocytoma is good in general, especially in children.
Grade III and IV tumors are considered high grade. They are aggressive and grow more quickly. The prognosis for high-grade tumors is much worse than for low-grade tumors. However, this can depend on what treatments are available for the specific type of tumor.
Most astrocytomas in children are low grade. In adults, astrocytomas tend to be high grade.
Low-Grade Tumors (Grade I or II) |
Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) / Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA) Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) Diffuse astrocytoma / Fibrillary astrocytoma Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma |
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High-Grade Tumors (Grade III or IV) |
Anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) Anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma Glioblastoma / Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) Diffuse midline glioma (DIPG) |
Pilocytic astrocytoma (or Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma) is the most common pediatric brain tumor. It is a low-grade tumor. It rarely progresses to a higher grade. Pilocytic astrocytoma has a 90% survival rate at 10 years. However, infants tend to have a worse prognosis than older children.
Pilocytic astrocytoma is a slow growing tumor and seems to grow in phases. In children, these tumors often occur in the cerebellum and optic pathway. Surgery is the main treatment for pilocytic astrocytoma. However, not all tumors (such as Optic Pathway Gliomas) can be completely removed with surgery due to risk to nearby brain structures.
The chance of cure can vary greatly depending on the specific type of tumor and its location. Some low-grade astrocytomas have a survival rate of 95% or higher with successful surgery. However, certain high-grade astrocytomas have a survival rate of 10-30%.
Factors that influence chance of cure include:
Treatment of astrocytoma depends on the type of tumor, its location, and whether it has spread or has come back. Aggressive tumors need more intensive treatment. Doctors also consider the age of the patient. Doctors try to avoid radiation therapy in very young children because the risk of severe side effects is higher.
Steroid and anti-seizure medications may be needed to help manage symptoms. Some children with hydrocephalus due to astrocytoma may have a shunt placed in the brain to prevent cerebrospinal fluid from building up. A shunt is a small tube that drains fluid from the brain.
Sometimes an astrocytoma can block the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Hydrocephalus occurs when too much CSF builds up in the ventricles.
A shunt is a small tube that drains cerebrospinal fluid to prevent the build-up of fluid.
Care for patients with astrocytoma should include appropriate referrals to support services such as endocrinology, ophthalmology, rehabilitation therapy, school services, and psychology.
Recovery and long-term effects of astrocytoma in children depend on the type of tumor and treatments received. Ongoing follow-up care, laboratory tests, and routine imaging are needed to monitor patients for recurrence or progression of disease. The care team will set a schedule based on type of tumor, response to treatment, and individual patient needs.
Low-grade astrocytoma or glioma is often a chronic or long-term disease. Although overall survival from low-grade glioma is high, the tumor often comes back or progresses over time. A patient may need additional treatments over many years of follow-up. This means the patient is at risk for more treatment- or tumor- related complications. There may also be times when the tumor shows growth on a scan, but the care team recommends observation (watchful waiting) instead of treatment. Good communication and trust among patient, family, and care team are critical to aid in decision making and disease management.
An interdisciplinary team can help meet individual patient needs to promote long-term health and quality of life. Regular checkups and screenings throughout survivorship are important to watch for health problems that can develop years after therapy.
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Reviewed: July 2019