Gliomas are tumors resulting from the malignant transformation of glial cells. Early symptoms are often insidious, commonly presenting as headache, nausea, vomiting, and limb weakness.They are classified into WHO grades I through IV, with higher grades indicating greater malignancy.
Global incidence of gliomas
Gliomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors, accounting for approximately 80% of all malignant brain tumors.The global annual incidence is about 3–5 cases per 100,000 people.High-grade gliomas carry a poor prognosis; the median survival for glioblastoma (Grade IV) is only around 15 months.They can occur at any age, though certain types are more common in children or the elderly.
Symptoms associated with glioma stages
1.Early symptoms of cerebral glioma
The tumor is small, slow-growing, and usually asymptomatic; mild headache, memory loss, or occasional seizures may occur, making it prone to being overlooked.
2.Symptoms of intermediate-stage glioma
Symptoms of increased intracranial pressure worsen, presenting as persistent headache and projectile vomiting, accompanied by limited limb movement, speech impairment, personality changes, and reduced visual acuity.
3.Symptoms of advanced glioma
Tumor extensively invades brain tissue; presents with severe intracranial hypertension, deep coma, bilateral pupillary dilation, decerebrate rigidity, and a life-threatening cerebral herniation crisis.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Early signs of gliomas include persistent headaches, nausea and vomiting, seizures, and limb weakness.Please consult a doctor via the "Chat with Doctor" feature to facilitate early detection.During the online consultation, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and their duration, and guide you through the process of obtaining a cranial MRI.
Staging of gliomas
Stage 0 brain glioma
This staging system is not applicable to gliomas.Gliomas are graded using the WHO grading system (Grades I–IV), based on cellular atypia and proliferative activity.
Stage I brain glioma
WHO Grade I; a benign, slow-growing tumor with well-defined margins and mild symptoms; prognosis is favorable following surgical resection.
Stage II brain glioma
WHO Grade II; low-grade malignancy; infiltrative growth; may present with seizures and focal neurological deficits; has a tendency for malignant transformation.
Stage III brain glioma
WHO Grade III; anaplastic glioma; characterized by active cell proliferation and rapidly progressive symptoms, including marked intracranial hypertension and neurological deficits.
Stage IV brain glioma
WHO Grade IV; glioblastoma; highest degree of malignancy; rapid growth; severe symptoms; extremely poor prognosis.
Detailed description of glioma symptoms
1.Severe headache in the morning
Increased intracranial pressure causes persistent headache that is pronounced in the morning and worsens with coughing or exertion; it responds poorly to ordinary painkillers and is one of the most common early symptoms.
2.Frequent nausea and vomiting
Increased intracranial pressure stimulates the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata, causing projectile vomiting; this is often accompanied by headache, which may temporarily subside after vomiting—a classic sign of elevated intracranial pressure.
3.Epileptic seizures
Tumor irritation of surrounding brain tissue causes focal or generalized epileptic seizures; this is a common initial symptom of low-grade gliomas and may manifest as limb convulsions or loss of consciousness.
4.Limb weakness/numbness
Compression of the motor cortex and conduction tracts by the tumor leads to reduced muscle strength, sensory disturbances, or ataxia in the contralateral limbs; severe cases may progress to hemiplegia.
5.Speech and cognitive impairment
Frontal and temporal lobe tumors affect language centers and cognitive functions, manifesting as aphasia, memory decline, and personality changes, thereby impairing daily communication abilities.
6.Severe vision loss
Tumor compression of the optic nerve or visual pathways leads to vision loss and visual field defects—potentially resulting in bilateral blindness—and is a typical presentation of tumors in the sellar region.
7.Personality changes
Frontal lobe tumors can cause personality changes, emotional instability, impaired judgment, and abnormal social behavior; family members are often the first to notice these changes.
8.Marked balance disorder
Cerebellar tumor causing balance disorders, an unsteady gait, and intention tremor, affecting daily activities and walking ability.
9.Impaired consciousness
A rapid rise in intracranial pressure in the advanced stage leads to confusion, lethargy, or even coma, indicating the formation of cerebral herniation and requiring emergency resuscitation.
Conclusion
Treating gliomas requires a multidisciplinary approach, with surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy serving as the primary treatment methods.Molecular pathology testing is crucial for guiding personalized treatment and improving prognosis.
