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Causes, Symptoms, and Management for Astrocytoma Tumors

Astrocytomas are a type of glioma tumor that affects the brain and the spinal cord. They develop from a type of cell known as astrocytes, which perform essential bodily functions, such as clearing excess neurotransmitters, stabilizing and regulating the blood-brain barrier, and promoting synapse formation. Around 50% of brain tumors are astrocytomas.

Causes, Symptoms, and Management for Astrocytoma Tumors
Read on to learn more about this condition, including its causes, symptoms, remedies, and treatments.

Causes of astrocytoma
The exact cause of astrocytoma tumors is not determined yet. According to some research, the most frequently occurring underlying causes are environmental (such as exposure to radiation exposure) or hereditary (like DNA mutations, specifically in the IDH1 gene). Individuals with genetic conditions such as Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1), tuberous sclerosis, and Turcot Syndrome may also be at higher risk of developing astrocytoma tumors.

Symptoms of astrocytoma tumor
As the tumor grows and affects more cells, it causes a variety of symptoms. These depend on the location and size of the tumor. Some of the symptoms one develops may include:

Persistent headaches that may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Neurological decline, which may manifest as memory loss, confusion, difficulty in speaking or understanding, or changes in behavior or personality
Drowsiness
Changes in vision
Difficulty with balance and coordination
Fatigue
Altered mental state, such as delirium or dementia
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Respiratory issues such as shortness of breath or irregular breathing
Loss of appetite
Changes in sleep patterns

Types of astrocytoma tumors
Based on the abnormalities in the cells and the rate of growth, astrocytoma tumors are rated on a scale of I (least aggressive) to IV (most aggressive). These tumors may further be distinguished by type.

Grade I
Pilocytic astrocytoma  is a slow-growing tumor that commonly appears in the cerebellum and does not invade the surrounding brain.
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma  generally originates in the temporal lobes and causes seizures.
Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma (SEGA)  grows in the ventricles inside the brain, blocking the flow of the fluid in the area and leading to hydrocephalus. It most frequently occurs among younger children and is considered treatable by surgery.

Grade II
Diffuse astrocytoma  is an invasive tumor that can grow at a relatively fast rate in the brain. In these cases, surgery often needs to be supported with other forms of treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy.

Grade III
Anaplastic astrocytoma  is more malignant, meaning it has a faster rate of growth and invasion. It is distinguishable due to the high number of cell abnormalities. With grade III tumors, surgery has to be followed by radiation and chemotherapy.

Grade IV
Glioblastoma (GBM)  is the most malignant and frequently-occurring form of astrocytoma. It is marked by fast progression and acute invasion of the brain cells.

Treatment of astrocytoma tumors
Based on the type, location of the tumor, and its rate of growth, doctors may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Surgery
This is often the first step for astrocytoma treatment. Here, the goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. In most cases, surgery is enough to cure grade 1 astrocytomas. For higher-grade tumors, more treatments may be advised.
Radiation
If the tumor cannot be removed fully, doctors may advise radiation, which uses high-powered X-rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
In the case of glioblastoma and anaplastic astrocytoma, radiation may be accompanied by chemotherapy. This helps destroy cancer cells and prevents them from multiplying.
Targeted therapy
As the name suggests, this treatment specifically targets proteins that help tumors grow. Its goal is to shrink the tumors by destroying the proteins.
Electrified-field therapy
This form of treatment makes use of electrical fields to target cells in the tumor and causes no damage to the normal cells. Electrified-field therapy is carried out using electrodes on the scalp. It is generally administered after surgery, in tandem with radiation and chemotherapy.

Lifestyle management tips for living with astrocytoma tumors
Astrocytoma tumors cannot be treated using natural or home remedies. However, certain lifestyle changes can help one cope with the treatment and maintain a decent quality of life. Some practices that may help include:

Staying informed
Learn about the tumor and available treatment options to develop a better understanding of how it may impact daily life. This will make room for better decision-making regarding overall treatment and adjacent therapies.
Making time for self-care
It is vital to take care of one’s physical health by resting and eating well. Foods such as broccoli, spinach, yogurt, lemons, grapefruits, clementines, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and tea may help boost the immune system and support recovery. Consult with a nutritionist to develop a customized meal plan for managing the condition.
Staying connected
Conditions like tumors can adversely affect on’e mental health, making it important to stay connected with loved ones. Reaching out to a support group can also help develop a sense of community.
Setting goals
Setting short-term goals and working towards them can help one stay positive through the course of their treatment.
Planning for the future
Certain issues can add more stress to a difficult situation. One must not neglect practical matters such as choosing a home or hospice care, financial planning, insurance coverage, and advanced care to alleviate future worries.

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