Low-Grade Glioma

Low-grade glioma is one of the most common types of primary brain tumor. It starts in the glial cells that support (glue together) and protect the neurons in the brain and other parts of your nervous system.

There are three types:

• low-grade astrocytoma, which affects the type of glial cells called astrocytes
• low-grade oligodendroglioma, which affects glial oligodendrocytes
• mixed glioma, which involves both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes

Sometimes low-grade gliomas change into high-grade gliomas over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to helping you manage this type of tumor.

Risk Factors for Low-Grade Glioma
For the most part, it’s unclear why brain tumors develop. Some people are believed to get them as a result of having previously had radiation therapy to the head or neck. In rare cases, genetic factors, such as neurofibromatosis and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, increase the risk.

It’s important to know some of the myths about brain tumors too. For example, there’s no scientific proof that cell phones, head injuries, exposure to petrochemicals, or aspartame consumption increase the chances of developing low-grade glioma.