Astrocytomas are a type of brain tumor. They develop in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, which form part of the tissue that protects the nerve cells in your brain and spinal cord.
Astrocytomas are classified by their grade — grade 1 and 2 astrocytomas grow slowly, while grade 3 and 4 astrocytomas grow faster and more aggressively.
An anaplastic astrocytoma is a grade 3 astrocytoma. While rare, this type of cancerous tumor can be very serious without treatment. Keep reading to learn more about anaplastic astrocytomas, including their symptoms and the survival rates of people who have them.
The symptoms of an anaplastic astrocytoma can vary based on exactly where the tumor is, but generally include:
- headaches
- lethargy or drowsiness
- nausea or vomiting
- behavioral changes
- memory loss
- seizures
- vision problems
- coordination and balance problems
Researchers aren’t sure what causes anaplastic astrocytomas. However, they may be associated with:
- genetic abnormalities
- immune system abnormalities
- environmental factors, such as exposure to UV rays and certain chemicals
- lifestyle factors, such as diet or stress
People with certain genetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), Li-Fraumeni syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis, have a higher risk of developing anaplastic astrocytoma. If you’ve had radiation therapy on your brain, you may also be at a higher risk.
Anaplastic astrocytomas are rare, so your doctor will start by discussing your medical history and performing a physical exam to identify any other possible causes of your symptoms.
They may also use a neurological exam to see how your nervous system is working. This usually involves testing your balance, coordination, and reflexes. You may be asked to answer some basic questions so they can evaluate your speech and mental clarity.
If your doctor thinks you may have a tumor, they’ll likely use imaging such as an MRI scan or CT scan to examine a picture of your brain. If you do have an anaplastic astrocytoma, these images will also show its size and exact location.
In some cases, doctors use a PET scan or SPECT scan. These metabolic scans look at cellular activity in the brain rather than the detailed anatomy seen on an MRI. These tests can sometimes be helpful for assessing tumor cells.
A biopsy may also be part of the diagnostic process and can involve removing as much of the tumor as possible.
There are several options for treating an anaplastic astrocytoma, depending on the size, location, and grade of the tumor.
Surgery
Surgery is usually the first step in treating an anaplastic astrocytoma. In some cases, your doctor may be able to remove all or as much of the tumor as possible.
However, anaplastic astrocytomas may grow in areas of the brain that are not safe or accessible for surgery, so your doctor may only be able to safely remove part of the tumor. Tumor cells that remain because they were not identified or were surgically inaccessible can grow quickly after surgery.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
If your tumor can’t be removed with surgery or was only partially removed, you may need follow-up treatment.
Radiation therapy destroys cells, especially rapidly dividing cancer cells. This will help shrink the tumor or destroy some or all of the cells that weren’t removed during surgery.
Anticancer drugs are referred to as chemotherapy and may be used with or after radiation therapy to continue treatment.
Some people may also be treated with:
- epilepsy medication
- hydrocephalus treatment
- steroids
- physical therapy
According to the
- 58% for those ages 22 to 44
- 29% for those ages 45 to 54
- 15% for those ages 55 to 64
The relative survival rate suggests how long someone with a condition may live after their diagnosis compared to those without the condition of the same race, sex, and age over a specific time. This is different from the overall survival rate, which is a percentage of people still alive for a specific time after diagnosis of a condition.
It’s most important to remember that these figures are estimates, and everyone is different. You can talk with your doctor about your specific condition. Several factors can affect your survival rate, including:
- the size, location, and grade of your tumor
- whether the tumor was completely or partially removed with surgery
- whether the tumor is new or recurring
- your overall health
Your doctor can give you a better idea of your outlook based on these factors.
Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare, aggressive type of cancerous brain tumor. Symptoms can vary but often include headache, seizures, and changes in behavior or cognitive function.
Researchers are unsure of the exact cause, but if you experience these symptoms, talk with your doctor about testing. Treatment includes surgical removal with radiation and sometimes chemotherapy. The outlook for anaplastic astrocytoma can vary based on individual factors, so it’s best to consult a doctor about your outlook.