Astrocytoma
A glial tumor arising from astrocytes with grades ranging from indolent to aggressive.
This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →
What is Astrocytoma?
Astrocytomas are glial tumors arising from astrocytes, the most common supporting cells in the brain. The 2021 WHO classification of CNS tumors significantly revised astrocytoma categories based on molecular features, particularly IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase) mutation status, which is now central to diagnosis and prognosis.
IDH-mutant astrocytomas (grades 2-4) tend to occur in younger adults, have better prognosis, and respond better to therapy than IDH-wildtype tumors. IDH-wildtype glioblastoma (grade 4) is the most aggressive astrocytic tumor. Pediatric-type diffuse gliomas are now distinguished from adult-type. Pilocytic astrocytoma (grade 1) is a circumscribed pediatric tumor with excellent prognosis after resection.
Treatment depends on grade, molecular features, location, and patient factors. Low-grade IDH-mutant astrocytomas may be observed after resection or treated with radiation and PCV chemotherapy. Higher-grade tumors require radiation and temozolomide. Pilocytic astrocytomas are often cured by complete resection alone. Recent additions to therapy include IDH inhibitors (vorasidenib for IDH-mutant low-grade gliomas).
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- New onset persistent headache, especially morning
- First-time seizure in adulthood or unexplained seizures in child
- Progressive focal neurological deficits
- Cognitive or personality changes
- Visual disturbances
- Cerebellar symptoms (incoordination)
- Macrocephaly or developmental delay in child
- Family history of NF1 or other relevant syndrome with new symptoms
- Symptoms suggestive of raised intracranial pressure
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Learn About Onkoloji DepartmentLet us help you
You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.
Related Health Topics
Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.
Anaemia
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.
Fatty Liver Disease
Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.
Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.