Anaplastic astrocytoma is a malignant brain tumour that is extremely rare. Astrocytomas are tumours that grow from astrocytes, which are star-shaped brain cells. Astrocytes and related cells make up the tissue that surrounds and protects other nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Glial cells and the tissue they form are referred to as glial cells and glial tissue, respectively. Gliomas are tumours that grow from glial tissue, including astrocytomas. The symptoms of anaplastic astrocytomas differ based on the tumor's size and location. This tumor's precise cause is uncertain.
Astrocytomas are categorised using a World Health Organization-developed grading system (WHO). Astrocytomas are classified into four classes based on how quickly the cells reproduce and how likely they are to spread (infiltrate) surrounding tissue. Astrocytomas in grades I or II are noncancerous and are sometimes referred to as low-grade astrocytomas. Astrocytomas with grades III and IV are malignant and are referred to as high-grade astrocytomas. Grade III astrocytomas are anaplastic astrocytomas. Glioblastoma multiforme is the name given to grade IV astrocytomas. Over time, lower-grade astrocytomas might progress to higher-grade astrocytomas.
Signs & Symptoms
Anaplastic astrocytoma symptoms vary based on the tumor's particular location and size. The majority of symptoms are caused by elevated pressure in the brain. An anaplastic astrocytoma normally grows slowly, although it can also grow quickly.
The tumour itself or a blockage of the fluid-filled spaces in the brain called ventricles, which results in an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, can cause increased pressure within the brain. Headaches, lethargy or drowsiness, vomiting, and personality or mental status changes are all common symptoms of anaplastic astrocytomas. Seizures, eye problems, and arm and leg paralysis that causes coordination problems are all possible side effects.
More particular symptoms are related to the location of the tumour in the brain. Anaplastic astrocytomas can appear anywhere in the central nervous system, although they are most common in the broad rounded part of the brain (cerebrum) that takes up the majority of the skull. The cerebral hemispheres are two halves that make up the cerebrum. The frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes of the cerebrum can all develop anaplastic astrocytomas.
Memory issues, personality and mood disorders, and paralysis (hemiplegia) on the side of the body opposite the tumour are all possible side effects of a tumour in the frontal lobe. Seizures, cognitive impairments, and coordination and speech issues are all possible side effects of temporal lobe tumours. Tumors in the parietal lobe can produce issues with writing (agraphia), fine motor skills impairments, and sensory anomalies such as tingling or burning feelings (paresthesias). Visual loss can be caused by tumours in the occipital lobe.
The portion of the brain that contains the thalamus and hypothalamus (diencephalon), the lower section of the brain towards the back of the neck that controls movement and balance (cerebellum), and the spinal cord are all common sites for anaplastic astrocytomas. Headaches, weariness, arm and leg weakness, eyesight issues, and hormone imbalances can all be symptoms of tumours in the diencephalon region. Cerebellar tumours can induce headaches, personality or behaviour abnormalities, and balance issues. Back pain, sensory anomalies such as tingling or burning feelings (paresthesias), weakness, and gait difficulties can all be symptoms of spinal tumours.
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