Holistic treatment of Brain gliomas

Glioma is a relatively common tumor that is created by cells of the central nervous system and grows in the area of the brain and spinal cord. There are gliomas that belong to the benign (types I and II) and some that have more aggressive characters (types III and IV). Usually, gliomas that occur at ages over 60 are the ones with the most aggressiveness. Patients’ symptoms vary depending on the anatomical location of the tumor. The most common are persistent headache, tendency to vomit, balance and speech disorders as well as, seizures.

The excellent treatment of gliomas requires the collaboration of specialists. Some gliomas initially require the intervention of a neurosurgeon in order to obtain the best possible removal without affecting the patient’s quality of life. If this is not possible, the tumor should first be treated with radiotherapy and then oncology with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In general, the decision on the course of treatment must be taken by a specialized oncology board in the presence of all the specialties involved.

In recent years, there have been significant developments that have radically changed the life expectancy of patients suffering from aggressive cerebral or spinal cord glioma. To achieve the best removal of the tumor, the neurosurgeon is guided by modern navigation systems (balatography) and the use of the drug 5-ALA. The tumor cells take up the drug and fluoresce bright red under the microscope. In this way, the best possible removal of the lesion is achieved, without neurologically affecting the patient’s quality of life.

Modern studies have shown that the appropriate treatment for low-malignant glioma is surgical exception. Monitoring is not indicated for the treatment of gliomas. Radical exclusion of the affected point has clearly better effects on survival and quality of life for patients. The diffuse expansion of gliomas within the nerve tissue, even in areas of the brain that control important functions, makes radical surgical intervention, difficult. Now such gliomas are treated with the use of craniotomy on alert. During the surgery, the patient is awake and participates in tests that control important functions such as speech and limb movement. This method is particularly effective and allows for the best possible removal of the tumor.