 Cervico-medullary Astrocytoma
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A cervico-medullary low-grade glioma is a tumor arising from a type of cell of the central nervous system known as a glial cell. These tumors originate from a specific type of glial cell known as an astrocyte. Astrocytes make up the supportive network of the brain. These cells are named for their star-like appearance. Cervico-medullary low-grade gliomas are astrocytomas (grade I pilocytic astrocytomas or grade II fibrillary astrocytomas) that arise from the junction of the brain and spinal cord.
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Children with certain genetic syndromes, including neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis, are at higher risk of developing tumors of glial origin, including cervico-medullary low-grade gliomas. The vast majority of children with cervico-medullary low-grade gliomas, however, develop these tumors spontaneously, meaning these is no identifiable cause.
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Due to the relative slow growth rate of cervico-medullary low-grade gliomas, children with these tumors tend to present to the doctor with symptoms that have been occurring for many months. Some children, however, have a more sudden onset of symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of a cervico-medullary low-grade glioma, however, each child may experience symptoms differently. Common symptoms may include:
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- many present with symptoms of increased pressure within the brain. These symptoms include:
- headache (generally upon awakening in the morning)
- vomiting
- fatigue
- some may have neck discomfort and difficulty moving some of all of the limbs of the body
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The symptoms of a brain tumor may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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Diagnostic procedures for a cervico-medullary low-grade glioma may include:
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- physical examination - the child may demonstrate increased pressure in the brain or difficulty moving the neck or arms
- computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays. For cervico-medullary low-grade gliomas, a CT scan of the brain is usually done.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. For cervico-medullary low-grade gliomas, an MRI of the brain and spine is usually done.
- biopsy - in many cases, a tissue sample from the tumor will be taken through a needle during a simple surgical procedure performed by a surgeon to confirm the diagnosis
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Specific treatment for a cervico-medullary low-grade glioma will be determined by your child's physician based on:
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- your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- type, location, and size of the tumor
- extent of the disease
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- how your child's doctors expects the disease to progress
- your opinion or preference
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Treatment may include (alone or in combination):
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