For more information on the type of tumor Brittany is fighting, please see the information on The Children's Hospital link below.  | | According to the information on hospital's website, an anaplastic astrocytoma is a high-grade, or malignant, glioma, a tumor of the glial (supportive) tissue of the brain. Anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme, account for approximately 10 percent of pediatric central nervous system tumors. | | | | These tumors arise primarily in the cerebral hemispheres (65 percent). Approximately 20 percent can occur in the area of the thalamus and hypothalamus or the diencephalon (responsible for identification of sensation, such as temperature, pain and touch, regulation of appetite/weight and body temperature, as well as connecting the brainstem to the cortex). Another 15 percent can occur in the region of the cerebellum and brain stem known as the posterior fossa. The median age at diagnosis is 9 to 10 years old, and these tumors occur with equal frequency in boys and girls. | | | | | | | | | | | Anaplastic astrocytomas of the cerebral hemispheres and the diencephalon, so called supratentorial anaplastic astrocytomas, produce non-specific symptoms as a result of increased pressure within the head, as well as more localizing symptoms as a function of their specific location, rate of growth and associated inflammation. | | | | The duration of symptoms is variable from a slow, insidious onset to more abrupt presentations. The following are the most common symptoms of an anaplastic astrocytoma, however, each child may experience symptoms differently. Common symptoms may include: | | | - headache and lethargy
- symptoms of increased pressure within the brain. These symptoms include:
- headache (generally upon awakening in the morning)
- vomiting
| | | - seizures can occur with supratentorial high-grade gliomas but do so less commonly than do low grade lesions
- compression of surrounding brain structures depending on the location of the tumor, increased pressure can cause:
- weakness and other motor dysfunction
- neuroendocrine abnormalities
- changes in behavior or thought processes
| | | | The symptoms of a brain tumor may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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