Astrocytoma (piloid, glomerular, microcystic) is a neoplasm localized in the brain. The pathological condition among other variants of brain tumors is the most common. From the inside in the neoplasm, it is often possible to identify a cyst prone to significant growth. An astrocytoma can put quite a bit of pressure on the brain tissue.
General information
Sometimes a piloid astrocytoma does not become malignant, but a malignant neoplasm may develop. The best prognosis in patients suffering from a benign form, localized in the accessible area. There is a risk of tumor formation in an area inaccessible for surgical intervention - such options are associated with worse prognosis, as well as the appearance of a large astrocytoma. In general, patients who have a pathological condition detected at an early stage can expect a better outcome.
If you suspect a piloid astrocytoma of the vermis, hemispheres, cerebellum, you must contact a specialized clinic. Patients who have the resources for treatment in a modern, well-equipped clinic have the best chances of recovery. An important aspect is the accuracy of diagnostics.
Features of pathology
Pyloid astrocytoma of the brain is a neoplasm of the glial type. The basic cells for it are astrocytes, visually resembling a star, similar in shape to a spider. The cells are also called neuroglial. Their main task is to support neurons, the main brain structures. Transportation of beneficial compounds from the vascular walls to the neuron membrane depends on astrocytes. Cellular structures are involved in the development, growth of cells of the nervous system, and also determine the exact composition of the fluid between cells.
In the white medulla, piloid astrocytoma in children or adults can develop from astrocytes of a fibrous, fibrous type. Cells located in the gray matter are protoplasmic. Both types are designed for neuronal protection against chemically aggressive compounds, traumatic factors. Astrocytes ensure neurons receive nutrition and control blood flow in brain structures.
Cancer or not?
Anaplastic piloid astrocytoma, glomerular, microcystic - any kind of neoplasm in question is incorrectly called cancer. This is due to the basic cells from which the tumor is formed - they do not belong to the epithelium, but have a more complex structure. Malignant processes are rarely accompanied by metastasis outside the brain, although inside the organ it is possible to form numerous foci of atypical cells brought here with the blood flow from other tissues and organs. A malignant neoplasm is often indistinguishable from a benign one, and complete removal is difficult due to the lack of even borders.
Prognosis in piloid astrocytoma is significantly worse due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which is insurmountable for most anticancer drugs. Exceptionally strong local brain immunity limits the possibilities of a therapeutic course, while tumor processes can develop in all parts of the organ. Many cases are known when the main body of the tumor was formed in one part, and atypical cells were localized in many others.
Features of the case
Possible formation of polyclonal formations. This term refers to a tumor within a tumor. The name is applied to primary tumor processes. The therapeutic course involves the use of a complex of medications, since one of the tumors is usually sensitive to a certain group of drugs that are safe for the second tumor, and vice versa.
Piloid astrocytoma of the cerebellum, vermis and any other part of the brain is treated quite problematic, and the success of the course does not always depend on the histological features of the formation. Usually the key role is played by the nuances of the location, the dimensions of the atypical area.
Where did the trouble come from?
Attempts to identify why piloid astrocytoma of the cerebellum is formed, in the hemispheres and other parts of the organ, have not yet been successful, and doctors have not been able to understand what provokes astrocytes to atypical behavior. Presumably, some negative external factors with a high degree of probability can cause the degeneration of cellular structures, especially if they affect simultaneously. The main one is considered to be ionizing radiation. Under the influence of this factor, with a high degree of probability, a malignant process can start. If a person underwent treatment that included a course of radiation, the risk of astrocytoma is many times higher.
Pyloid astrocytoma (like other types of this neoplasm) can develop against the background of prolonged toxic effects of chemical compounds. Certain dangers are associated with work in factories, in an industrial area. Some viruses can provoke the degeneration of cells. In some cases, the disease is associated with genetic prerequisites, in others, trauma becomes the start of atypical development. It is known that certain varieties are more often detected in children, others in young people under 30 years old, but there are also forms that are more common in older patients.
How to suspect?
Piloid astrocytoma (or another form of tumor) can be suspected if there are problems with coordination of movements. More often, this signals a malfunction in the work of the cerebellum, and they can be associated with a neoplasm. In general, symptomsdetermined by two factors: the location, the size of the atypical area. Astrocytoma can cause speech impairment and others to lose their memory or vision.
A piloid astrocytoma in the left half of the brain can cause paralysis of the body on the right. Usually the head hurts quite strongly and constantly, sensitivity suffers. Many patients are weak, suffer from heartbeat problems: increased speed, fuzziness, unevenness. Pressure drops are possible. If the tumor is localized in the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, the endocrine system is disrupted.
Status update
Assessing the cellular structure, one can classify the case as protoplasmic, fibrillar, gemistocytic. There is a piloid astrocytoma, there are also glomerular, cerebellar forms. Assessing the level of malignancy, all cases are divided into four grades.
More about types
Relatively good prognosis for piloid astrocytoma of the brain in children, if the disease belongs to the first degree. This includes benign processes. The diseased area gradually increases in size, but the process is quite slow. The dimensions of the tumor of the first type are small, and a specific capsule delimits them from he althy tissues, which is why most patients do not form a neurological deficit. The tumor is formed by astrocytes, resembling a nodule in appearance. More often, the formation is detected in minors.
The second level is diffuse. If with piloid astrocytoma of the brainthe prognosis is usually relatively good, here the situation is more complicated. The tumor is prone to slow growth, and the cells that form it differ from ordinary astrocytes. More often, the formation is detected in patients of the age group of 20-30 years.
Continuing the theme
The third type is anaplastic. He is characterized by aggression, expressed by rapid growth. Cells are very different from he althy ones. Malignancy is rated as high.
The fourth group is glioblastomas. The cells of such neoplasms are very different from he althy brain structures. Formation can disrupt the work of significant brain centers. It is characterized by aggressive, rapid growth. In most cases, patients are inoperable. More often, glioblastoma is detected in the cerebral hemispheres, the cerebellum, and the thalamus, which is responsible for the distribution of information coming from peripheral structures. Significantly worse than with piloid astrocytoma of the brain, the prognosis in patients suffering from glioblastoma, especially if surgery is not possible.
Progress specifics
If a neoplasm of the first, second type is detected, the risk of tumor degeneration is high, which leads to the progress of the condition to the third or fourth step. More often, malignancy of the area occurs in adult patients. However, numerous responses from patients, medical reviews of cerebral piloid astrocytoma, diffuse indicate that the risks of this pathology should not be underestimated. A benign neoplasm is no less dangerous than a reborn one, therefore, as the diagnosis is clarified, it is important to immediately begin treatment undersupervision of an experienced physician. The outcomes of such a course are determined by the location of the formation, its dimensions, sensitivity to modern medicines.
What to do?
The therapeutic course in case an astrocytoma is detected is chosen based on the area of localization, size, features of the histological structure. In general, the prognosis is better in younger patients than in older, resectable patients. The best outcome is possible if the neoplasm was completely removed.
At the third stage of the disease, with the degeneration of piloid astrocytoma, a combined therapeutic course is practiced. The patient is sent for surgery, prescribed a program of medications and radiation treatment. On average, with a piloid astrocytoma degenerated into an anaplastic astrocytoma after surgery, the prognosis for survival is three years. The best outcomes are possible at a young age, if before the pathology the state of the body was good, he alth is strong, and atypical cells were removed completely.
The piloid form of the disease is more often detected in children, it grows limited. More often, the prognosis is favorable, since the formation is characterized by a relatively low risk of malignancy. The therapeutic course involves the complete removal of dangerous cells, but this is not always available. If the tumor has formed in the brain stem, hypothalamus, surgical intervention is not possible. Astrocytoma located in the hypothalamus is prone to metastasis.
Operation rescheduled: what's next?
Consequencesthe operation is largely determined by the size of the neoplasm and the features of its removal, as well as the area where the tumor was located. If a piloid astrocytoma has formed in an accessible part of the brain, the prognosis is relatively good, and life expectancy is long. The situation is much worse if the astrocytoma appeared in a part of the organ inaccessible to the surgeon.
It is not uncommon for astrocytoma to recur after surgery. As a rule, if this happens, then in the first two years after the postponed event. The prognosis is better if the astrocytoma can be detected as soon as it has just formed. If the treatment of a benign neoplasm is not started on time, with a probability of about 70% it will regenerate over time.
CyberKnife
Currently, this technology is considered one of the most progressive, is actively used when it is necessary to operate on a patient suffering from astrocytoma. The method helps to get rid of tumors in hard-to-reach places. The high-tech method of non-contact removal has been used for several years and has proven its reliability in neoplasms of different localization. True, such a procedure will cost a lot, and not every clinic has the equipment necessary for the CyberKnife.
If classical surgery is contraindicated, radiosurgery should definitely be considered for astrocytoma - perhaps this is the method that will save life. Unique method helps deliver dose escalationionizing radiation directly to the area of abnormal cells, without harming surrounding he althy structures.
Features of radiosurgery
The approach involves a strict limitation of therapeutic radiation doses. A correctly chosen strategy is the key to the successful destruction of pathological structures, while not harming other parts and organs of the body. In some cases, radiosurgery does not even require hospitalization - an outpatient event is sufficient. Regenerative step, no recovery step.
The first stage of the radiological method of surgery involves diagnosing the patient's condition, including CT and MRI images. The doctor receives a three-dimensional image of the pathological area and the features of its localization relative to he althy tissues. A physicist and a radiotherapist develop an intervention plan, select the optimal doses of training designed to slow down and prevent further cell reproduction. As the plan is approved, the first faction is appointed. As a rule, the course lasts from one to three such procedures.
Technical aspects
Radiological surgery is completely painless, so there is no need for anesthesia, anesthesia. During the event, the patient is conscious and fully in control of himself. Special comfortable tables have been developed. The radiation supply is provided by a specific manipulator. Between the two beams, the device calibrates the setting, focusing on the given points, which makes the intervention extremely accurate. The computer controls the doses of radiation that are effective against the disease, butsafe for humans.
Some time after the completion of the procedure, you will have to come to the hospital for a follow-up examination. Diagnostics will show how successful the radiological removal was.
Features and dangers
If an astrocytoma is detected, do not hesitate to contact a specialist. It is known from medical statistics that it is tumor processes in the brain that have the highest mortality rate. Among other neoplasms in the central nervous system, almost half are astrocytomas of various shapes, and more often men become patients than women.
Measures to prevent the disease have not yet been developed, since the causes that provoke the pathology are not known. Prevention is not practiced, but risks can be reduced by avoiding injury, exposure, and chemical poisoning.
