In Peru, there are 1,053 new glioma diagnoses per year, according to Globocan. “Gliomas are rare, they can occur at any age, but they are more common in adults. Men have a higher incidence than women. Its exact cause is unknown and they do not seem to be hereditary, however, if another member of your family had a glioma, it may increase the risk that you will suffer from it” says Dr. Milagros Rodríguez, an oncologist at our clinic.

What are primary brain tumors or gliomas?

They are malignant tumors, a cancer that grows in the brain. These tumors can grow rapidly, disrupting the functioning of the brain, invading and mixing with its normal structures. Therefore, they are usually very difficult to treat without damaging healthy parts of the brain. Gliomas are primary tumors, that is, they grow in the area of the brain where they start. Very rarely they spread to other parts of the body.

Gliomas are usually identified by the symptoms they cause:

• Frequent or unusual headaches
• Seizures, nausea, or vomiting
• Difficulty walking or balance problems
• Changes in personality and mood
• Other symptoms that seem strange or have no apparent cause (slurred speech, memory loss, etc.)

A combination of several tests will be required to identify a malignant brain tumor and what type of tumor it is:

• Review of the Clinical History. Find symptoms related to the location of the tumor and its size
• Neurological examination
• Evaluation of day-to-day activities
• MRI scan. It is the best study
• For patients who have cochlear implants or pacemakers
• If a suspicious image is found on MRI, a sample of the lesion will be required

Can I be cured of a glioma?

Gliomas cannot be cured or prevented, but they are usually treatable. New treatments have improved life expectancy. Treatment options are: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, electric field therapy, or a combination of both. The most important thing is to know how to identify the symptoms for an early diagnosis and achieve a successful treatment.

Dr. Milagros Rodríguez
Oncologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma