Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare malignant brain tumor.
It develops from astrocyte cells that normally protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Anaplastic astrocytomas are grade III astrocytomas.
Verywell / Joules Garcia
Focal seizuresare one kind of seizure seen in brain tumors.
Most anaplastic astrocytoma tumors develop slowly and over time.
However, in some cases, the tumor develops rapidly, and this can cause symptoms to appear suddenly.
you might have one or more of these symptoms.
If you have any of these symptoms, be sure to see your doctor so they won’t worsen.
Causes
The specific cause of anaplastic astrocytoma is unknown.
However, it is thought that certain genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are linked to its development.
However, there are a few rare, inherited disorders linked to an increased risk of anaplastic astrocytoma.
However, that does not mean they will definitely develop anaplastic astrocytoma.
Anaplastic astrocytomas tend to spread into neighboring healthy tissue.
This means that it can be difficult to fully remove all cancer cells.
Drugs and vaccines are being developed to target IDH.
Remember to ask lots of questions and bring up any of your concerns.
Prognosis
There are few studies that focus exclusively on patients with anaplastic astrocytoma.
Eighty-four patients had follow-up details and were included for survival analysis.
The five-year overall survival rate for anaplastic astrocytoma was 52 percent.
Summary
Anaplastic astrocytoma is a rare form of cancerous brain tumor.
A diagnosis of anaplastic astrocytoma can only be made following an imaging procedure, along with a brain biopsy.
Frequent symptoms include headaches, drowsiness, vomiting, and changes in personality or mood.
A Word From Verywell
Anaplastic astrocytoma is very rare.
Remember, a diagnosis can only be made following a thorough clinical evaluation.
National Organization for Rare Diseases.Astrocytoma.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Anaplastic astrocytoma.
2016;18(2):252-60. doi:10.1093/neuonc/nov166
Grimm SA, Chamberlain MC.Anaplastic astrocytoma.CNS Oncol.
2015;5(6).
2018;7(1):1-4. doi:10.4103/sajc.sajc_55_17
