What are the treatment options for glioma?

Glioma is a group of tumours that begin in glial cells in the brain or spinal cord. Astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma are examples. Tissue testing and scans help identify the tumour's type and grade, while its position shows which treatment can be offered safely.

Brain tumour surgery may remove all or part of a tumour, relieve pressure, and provide tissue for diagnosis. Radiotherapy uses focused high-energy beams to treat the tumour area and may follow surgery or be used when an operation is not suitable. Some people need monitoring with regular scans rather than immediate treatment, depending on the findings.

Ask what the pathology and scans mean in plain language, whether the tumour affects areas responsible for speech or movement, and what the goal of treatment is. Discuss rehabilitation, seizure or swelling medicines, activity, driving, work, and support at home.

Keep notes about headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, vision changes, balance, memory, and speech. Bring someone you trust to appointments if helpful, and ask how follow-up scans will be scheduled.

Get emergency help for a first seizure, sudden weakness, new speech difficulty, loss of consciousness, severe confusion, or a sudden severe headache with vomiting. Contact your care team promptly for worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, new balance problems, vision changes, or unusual drowsiness.

What type and grade of glioma do I have? Where is it located? Can surgery remove it safely? Would radiotherapy be needed, and what side effects should I expect? How will scans and neurological checks guide follow-up?