Is pontine glioma rare?

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive type of childhood cancer that forms in the brainstem. They are very rare and almost always occur in the pediatric population. To avoid the high morbidity and mortality associated with this condition, DPIG must be promptly diagnosed and treated.

How many types of gliomas are there?

According to the American Cancer Society, there are three types of gliomas, including astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas.

Is pontine glioma curable?

Unfortunately, very few children are cured from pontine glioma. The only proven treatment is radiotherapy, which can improve a child’s symptoms in up to 75% of cases. However, the benefit is usually short-lived and the tumour starts to grow again after a few months.

What are astrocytomas?

Astrocytoma is a type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. It begins in cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells. Some astrocytomas grow very slowly and others can be aggressive cancers that grow quickly.

What is the survival rate for brain stem glioma?

Focal brainstem gliomas: As noted above, focal brainstem gliomas are typically WHO grade I, relatively indolent tumors that are frequently amenable to surgical resection. Prognosis is very good, with a 5-year overall survival approaching 90%.

At what age is DIPG diagnosed?

While DIPG is usually diagnosed when children are between the ages of five and nine, it can occur at any age in childhood. It occurs in boys and girls equally and does not generally appear in adults.

What is the most common type of glioma?

Astrocytoma is the most common form of glioma. Gliomas can appear in various parts of the brain and nervous system, which includes the spinal cord. There are four different “grades” of gliomas, which are categorized as low-grade or high-grade.

How long can you live with glioma?

Glioblastoma survival The average survival time is 12-18 months – only 25% of glioblastoma patients survive more than one year, and only 5% of patients survive more than five years.