Does glioma contain cancer cells?

Glioma is a brain tumor that may contain cancer cells, but not all gliomas are malignant tumors. Whether there are cancer cells needs to be distinguished according to the specific type. From a pathological point of view, gliomas are divided into low-grade grades I and II and high-grade grades III and IV. Among them, high-grade gliomas are usually malignant, contain cancer cells, and the disease progresses rapidly; while low-grade gliomas are generally benign, do not contain cancer cells, and the course of the disease progresses slowly. Early detection and precise treatment are of great significance for controlling the course of glioma.

1. Classification of gliomas and the possibility of canceration

Glioma is the most common tumor of the central nervous system. It is classified into grades I to IV according to the internationally recognized WHO grading standard. Grades I and II are low-grade gliomas, which are usually highly differentiated, mostly benign, and do not contain cancer cells; while grades III and IV are high-grade gliomas, which are common in glioblastomas, etc., with a low degree of differentiation, rapid growth, and a greater possibility of malignant transformation. High-grade gliomas usually require emergency intervention to delay the progression of the disease.

2Why do some gliomas contain cancer cells?

The causes of glioma canceration may be related to a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, external environmental exposure such as radiation, chemical pollution, abnormal differentiation of own cells, and excessive inflammation or immune response. High-grade gliomas have uncontrolled cell division and rapid proliferation, often accompanied by invasive growth characteristics, showing the malignant nature of the tumor. Cancer cells can be found in pathological examinations, such as nuclear atypia, increased mitotic figures, and abnormal vascular proliferation.

3 Treatment and intervention methods for glioma

Treatment options vary depending on the type and grade of glioma. For benign gliomas, the following methods are often used:

Surgical resection: For grade I pilocytic astrocytoma, the prognosis is usually good after surgical resection.

Regular observation: Some grade II gliomas may not require treatment for the time being, and close follow-up is sufficient.

For malignant glioma, comprehensive treatment is required:

Surgery + radiotherapy: Most high-grade cases, such as grade IV, require radiotherapy after surgery to control residual tumor cells.

Chemotherapy: Temozolomide is a commonly used drug for the treatment of high-grade gliomas and can consolidate the therapeutic effect after radiotherapy.

Targeted therapy: Some patients may try bevacizumab or other newer drugs to more precisely inhibit tumor blood vessel growth.

If glioma lesions are suspected, it is highly recommended to perform MRI examination combined with biopsy to accurately determine its nature in order to obtain the best treatment opportunity.

Whether a glioma contains cancer cells needs to be determined in combination with the pathological grade and type. For patients diagnosed with glioma, it is important to follow the doctor's advice, receive timely treatment and follow-up. Early diagnosis and treatment of malignant glioma is particularly critical. If there are unexplained headaches or abnormal neurological symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis.