What is a high-grade astrocytoma?

Astrocytomas are the most common type of glioma, a tumor that develops from glial cells called astrocytes.

About half of childhood brain tumors are astrocytomas.

High-grade astrocytomas grow quickly and spread to the brain. They are aggressive and require intensive treatment. Some high-grade astrocytomas tumors include:

  • Anaplastic astrocytoma (AA): This is a malignant brain tumor that can produce symptoms such as unsteady walking, weakness, and a loss of sensation.
  • Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM): The most malignant type of astrocytoma that grows rapidly and increases pressure in the brain.

What causes a high-grade astrocytoma? Who is affected?

Astrocytomas are most common in children between the ages of 5 and 8.

About 80% of astrocytomas in children are low-grade though they can spread to the spine and require more intensive, high-grade tumor treatment.

What are the symptoms of high-grade astrocytoma?

Symptoms of astrocytomas vary widely. Some patients do not experience symptoms until the tumor gets too large, if at all. The symptoms children experience depends on their age and stage of growth, function of the affected part of the brain, location of the tumor, and speed at which the tumor is growing.

Symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, early morning headaches, unexplained weight gain or loss, weakness, tingling, loss of balance, trouble walking, seizures, changes in personality or behavior, and problems with vision, hearing or speech.

How is a high-grade astrocytoma treated?

Surgical removal is used to both diagnose and treat astrocytomas. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be used to kill any remaining tumor cells.

Radiation is generally used for children older than 3 after surgery for high-grade tumors.