Astrocytoma
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Brief Overview of Astrocytoma
Approximately 18,000 people are diagnosed with brain cancer each year, and almost 13,000 Americans die of brain cancer yearly. Brain cancer is slightly more common in men. Prognosis is more favorable in younger (age under 40) patients. Brain tumors can be classified as either benign or malignant. Most astrocytomas are classified as malignant. They invade surrounding normal brain tissue, and compromise normal brain function. Astrocytomas are the most common malignant brain tumor. The most aggressive of the astrocytomas is the glioblastoma multiforme. Other malignant brain tumors include oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas. There is usually no known cause in most patients who develop a brain tumor.
Glioblastoma Multiforme
Written by Damon E. Smith, M.D. – Radiation Oncologist