How Do You Treat Glioma?
A glioma is a tumor arising from the interstitial cells of the brain, pineal gland, posterior pituitary gland, retina and spinal cord. Gliomas can be highly aggressive and fatal, even with prompt treatment. Brainstem gliomas have the highest mortality rate because they compress structures responsible for basic body function. They also cause rapid death from increased intracranial pressure. The following steps will show how to treat a brainstem glioma. Use focal radiotherapy as the preferred treatment of brainstem gliomas in adults. The recommended dose ranges from 54 to 60 Gy and doses greater than 72 Gy have not been shown to have any additional benefit. Focal radiotherapy is not recommended for children. Administer radiotherapy to any patient with clearly progressive tumors or neurologic symptoms. Treatment may not be recommended at all in some cases of adult patients with cervicomedullary or tectal lesions. Predict the long-term response to radiotherapy based on factors such as hist
