Anaplastic Astrocytoma
This rare, aggressive type of cancerous brain tumor can cause headaches, seizures, and changes in behavior or cognitive (thinking) function. Treatment involves surgery combined with radiation and chemotherapy.
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.
What are the symptoms?
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
What causes it?
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.
How is it diagnosed?
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.
How is it treated?
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
Survival rate and life expectancy
According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for people with an anaplastic astrocytoma is as follows:
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.
The takeaway
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.
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