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Brainstem Glioma
What You Should Know About Brainstem Glioma
General Information
- Type and location of the tumor determines treatment options.
- Most patients require complex management only available at a comprehensive cancer center, such as UCLA, where a team of physicians can work together
- Advanced technology and equipment at UCLA allows safer surgery and radiation therapies.
Diagnosis
- Biopsy confirms the diagnosis when the tumor may actually be an ependymoma or atypical glioma.
Treatment
- Surgery
- The extent of removal and freedom from complications depend upon the skill and experience of your neurosurgeon.
- Half of adults and children with brain stem tumors will develop a pressure build-up inside the brain necessitating a shunt.
- Radiation therapy
- Clinical trials
Outcome
- The success of treatment is dependent upon the type of brainstem glioma, the amount of tumor removed during surgery and response to therapies.
