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Astrocytoma is a type of brain tumour that originates from astrocytes, star-shaped cells that make up the supportive tissue of the brain.
These tumours are part of a group known as gliomas, and they can vary significantly in their behaviour, prognosis, and treatment needs. Astrocytomas are classified into several types based on their malignancy and growth potential. They range from low-grade (slower growing and potentially non-cancerous) to high-grade (rapidly growing and cancerous) tumours.
The symptoms of astrocytoma depend on the tumour's size, location, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:
The exact cause of astrocytoma is not fully understood.
Genetic factors play a role, especially in syndromes like neurofibromatosis type 1 and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which increase the risk. Environmental factors such as exposure to ionising radiation also contribute, but in most cases, astrocytomas appear sporadically without a clear cause.
Complications of astrocytoma are primarily related to its growth and location in the brain:
Related diseases include other types of gliomas and neurological conditions that might arise due to genetic predispositions.
There are no established methods to prevent astrocytoma due to its unclear causes. However, reducing exposure to known risk factors, such as ionising radiation, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help reduce general cancer risk.
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