Brain Tumours Gliomas

Overview

A glioma is a type of brain tumour that starts in glial cells – the cells that support and protect the brain's nerve cells. Some gliomas grow slowly and are not cancerous, while others grow quickly and can be serious. The word 'tumour' simply means an abnormal growth of cells.

Brain tumours are not very common overall. Gliomas are among the most common types of primary brain tumours – tumours that start in the brain – but they are still relatively rare compared to many other health conditions.

Gliomas can happen at any age, but they are most often diagnosed in adults, especially in older adults. Some types of glioma are more common in children, though this is uncommon. Overall, the chance of developing a glioma is low.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Headaches, especially ones that are worse in the morning or wake you up at night
• Seizures (fits or shaking episodes)
• Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Problems with balance or walking
• Memory problems or confusion
• Changes in personality or behaviour

Symptoms in children

• Symptoms in children can be similar to adults, such as headaches and vomiting.
• Your child may have seizures or difficulty with balance.
• You might notice changes in behaviour, school performance, or energy levels.
• In babies, a sign can be an unusually fast-growing head size.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice increasing confusion or memory problems that seem new or get worse.
• Weakness or clumsiness on one side of the body can occur.
• Difficulty speaking, finding words, or understanding conversations may happen.
• Headaches and balance problems are also possible.
• Sometimes, symptoms appear suddenly, similar to a stroke, and need urgent medical care.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of gliomas is not known in most cases.
• It is not caused by being stressed, using mobile phones, or head trauma – scientific evidence does not support these links.

Risk factors

• Being over 60 years of age – gliomas are more common in older adults.
• Exposure to high-dose radiation to the head, such as from past radiation therapy (this is uncommon).
• Family history – having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with a brain tumour is a rare risk factor.
• Certain inherited genetic syndromes can increase the risk, but these account for very few cases.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a new seizure, severe headache, or sudden weakness, call for an ambulance immediately.
• If you have repeated vomiting, double vision, or difficulty waking up, seek urgent medical care.
• If symptoms develop suddenly, call your local emergency number right away.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See a healthcare provider if you have headaches that are new, persistent, or getting worse over a few weeks.
• If you notice numbness, weakness, or balance problems that are not sudden but continue, book a routine appointment.
• If you or a loved one have memory changes, confusion, or personality changes, bring these to a doctor's attention.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a glioma, a doctor will first ask about your symptoms, examine you, and check your nervous system. If they suspect a brain tumour, they will refer you to a specialist, usually a neurologist (a doctor who treats brain and nerve conditions).

Tests that may be done

• An MRI scan – a painless imaging test that creates detailed pictures of the brain.
• A CT scan – another type of X-ray that can help detect brain abnormalities.
• A biopsy – a small sample of the tumour is taken to look at under a microscope. This helps determine the type and grade (how fast it is likely to grow).
• Sometimes, a lumbar puncture (a sample of spinal fluid is taken) is used to look for tumour cells, though this is less common.

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are painless and performed as an outpatient, meaning you do not need to stay in hospital. A biopsy may require a short stay in hospital. Before any test, your specialist will explain what happens and answer your questions. Waiting for results can feel worrying, but your healthcare team will keep you informed and support you throughout the process.

Treatment

Treatment for a glioma is planned by a multidisciplinary team – a group of specialists including neurosurgeons, oncologists (cancer doctors), radiologists, and nurses. The right treatment depends on the type, size, location, and grade of the tumour, as well as your overall health and symptoms.

Self-care at home

• Follow the care plan your medical team gives you.
• Get plenty of rest, but try to stay gently active if you can.
• Accept practical and emotional help from family and friends.
• Keep a note of your symptoms to share with your doctor – this can help adjust your care.
• Ask your healthcare team about rehabilitation services if you need help with movement, speech, or daily tasks.

Medical treatments

Treatment approaches include surgery to remove as much of the tumour as safely as possible, radiotherapy (using high-energy rays to target and destroy tumour cells), and chemotherapy (medicines that stop or slow the growth of tumour cells). In some cases, targeted therapies are used – these are treatments that focus on specific genetic changes in the tumour. Steroids may be given to reduce swelling in the brain. Your healthcare team will explain which approach or combination is recommended for you, and they will never use any treatment without your consent.

When is surgery considered?

If the tumour is in a part of the brain where surgery is safe, removing it is often the first step. The aim may be to remove the whole tumour, or to remove as much as possible to reduce symptoms and make other treatments more effective. In some cases, a biopsy is the only surgical procedure needed.

Living with this condition

Living with a glioma means ongoing check-ups with your medical team. You may need regular MRI scans to monitor the tumour. Depending on symptoms, you might work with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or speech therapists to help you stay as independent as possible. It's important to communicate openly with your loved ones and your healthcare team about how you are feeling.

Lifestyle tips

• Pace yourself – allow time for rest during the day.
• Stay connected with friends, family, and support networks.
• Ask for help with daily tasks when you need it.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking – these can affect your overall health.
• Tell your doctor about any medicines, supplements, or remedies you take, as they may interact with your treatment.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein can help keep your strength up during treatment. Gentle exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga – as long as it's safe and approved by your medical team – can improve your mood and energy levels. Always listen to your body and rest when you need to.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A diagnosis of a brain tumour can cause anxiety, fear, or sadness. It is completely normal to have these feelings. You do not have to face them alone – your healthcare team can refer you to counselling or psychologically trained professionals. Talking to friends, family, or a support group can also make a big difference. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out and ask for help.

Prevention

There is currently no known way to prevent gliomas. Most cases happen without any clear reason. You cannot get a glioma from stress, everyday habits, or injury. Because the cause is unknown, there is no proven prevention plan.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines to prevent brain tumours or gliomas.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for gliomas in people without symptoms. If you have symptoms or a known family history of brain tumours, your doctor may recommend check-ups, but this is not standard for the general public.

Complications

If left untreated

• The tumour may grow and put increasing pressure on the brain, causing symptoms to worsen.
• Untreated high-grade gliomas can lead to serious problems, such as seizures, loss of ability to move, difficulty speaking, or becoming unconscious.
• In severe cases, swelling in the brain can push on vital areas and become life-threatening.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for a glioma depends on several things, including the type and grade of the tumour, its location, and how well it responds to treatment. Some slow-growing gliomas can be managed for many years, and even high-grade gliomas can be treated to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Research is always progressing, and new treatments are being developed all the time. Your healthcare team will give you the most honest and hopeful guidance for your individual situation.

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