Glioma: Symptoms, Stages & Treatments

Has your doctor recently confirmed that you have glioma? The moment you are diagnosed with this condition, you may have a lot of questions in your mind, such as, “Is this a serious disease? Will I be fine? What will happen now? Will I need surgery? It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, confused, or even scared. When it comes to the brain, the thought of something being “wrong” can also be very upsetting.

In this guide, we will explain what a glioma actually is, its symptoms, how the condition usually progresses, and the available treatment options.

What Is Glioma?

Glioma is a type of brain tumour that begins in the glial cells. It is the supportive cells that surround and protect neurones in the brain and spinal cord. Think of glial cells as the "nursemaids" of the nervous system; they don’t carry messages like neurones do, but they keep everything running smoothly in the background. When these glial cells grow uncontrollably, they form what’s known as a glioma.

There are various types of gliomas. The type depends on which glial cells they originate from. The main types include

• Astrocytomas
• Oligodendrogliomas
• Ependymomas

Some gliomas grow slowly and remain stable for years, while others can be more aggressive and spread quickly. Hence, understanding their nature will help you to choose the right treatment. 

What are the symptoms of glioma?

The common symptoms of glioma include:

• Headache
• Seizures
• Nausea or vomiting
• Memory loss.
• Confusion or a decline in brain function
• Weakness or numbness
• Speech difficulties. 
• Personality changes or irritability

Glioma symptoms depend on the location, size and growth rates.

Glioma Stages: How does the tumour progress over time?

Gliomas are graded, not staged like many other cancers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies gliomas into grades I to IV, depending on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumour is likely to grow or spread.

• Grade I: These tumours are the least aggressive. They grow slowly and are often considered non-cancerous. Pilocytic astrocytoma is a common example in this category.
• Grade II: These are low-grade tumours but are more likely to return after treatment. They may eventually become more aggressive.
• Grade III: These are malignant tumours that grow more rapidly and may spread to nearby brain tissue. Anaplastic astrocytoma falls into this category.
• Grade IV: This is the most aggressive form, known as glioblastoma. It grows rapidly and is difficult to treat.

Understanding the grade of the glioma is crucial for deciding the best treatment plan.

Treatment options for glioma

Treating glioma is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It depends on the type, grade, location, and overall health of the patient. Here are some of the most common treatment options:

1. Surgery
   Whenever possible, doctors aim to remove as much of the tumour as they can. Surgery helps reduce pressure on the brain and can significantly ease symptoms. In some low-grade gliomas, surgery alone might be enough.
   
   
2. Radiation Therapy High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Radiation is often used after surgery or in cases where the tumour cannot be fully removed.
   
   
3. Chemotherapy
   These are drugs designed to kill cancer cells or stop them from multiplying. Chemotherapy may be given alone or in combination with radiation.
   
   
4. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
   These are newer treatments that work by attacking specific genetic mutations in the tumour or helping the body’s immune system recognise and fight the cancer cells.
   
   
5. Supportive Care
   In addition to medical treatment, managing symptoms like seizures, headaches, or mood changes is a key part of helping patients maintain quality of life.

Final Thoughts

A glioma diagnosis can feel like a lot to take in—but you're not alone. Advances in treatment, personalised care plans, and ongoing research mean there’s more hope today than ever before. Early diagnosis, staying informed, and working closely with your medical team can make a real difference.

Whether you're facing glioma yourself or supporting someone who is, remember: knowledge is power, and there’s always a path forward—one step at a time.

Case study: 31-Year-Old Woman Recovers from Brain Tumor at RBH Jaipur

A 31-year-old woman, Sarita (name changed), had been struggling with intense headaches for some time. Gradually, her condition worsened — she began having trouble understanding conversations and found it hard to express herself. Her family also noticed weakness in her right arm and leg, along with frequent vomiting.

Concerned, they consulted Dr Amit Chakrabarty, Additional Director of Neurosurgery at Rukmani Birla Hospital, Jaipur. With over 18 years of experience in complex brain surgeries, Dr Chakrabarty conducted detailed tests and scans.

It was found that Sarita had a low-grade glioma — a tumour located on the left side of her brain, which was affecting her speech and movement. The tumour was impacting her daily life and needed timely intervention.

To ensure precision and safety, Dr Chakrabarty used advanced intraoperative fluorescence imaging technology during surgery to clearly identify and remove the tumour. The procedure was successful, and Sarita is now recovering well with proper follow-up care.

FAQs

Can a low-grade glioma stop growing?

Yes, some low-grade gliomas grow very slowly and may remain stable for years without significant change.

Is glioma benign or malignant?

Gliomas can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), depending on their type and grade.

Is glioma curable?

Some gliomas can be treated successfully, especially if detected early, but not all are fully curable — it depends on the type, grade, and location.

Is glioma hereditary?

Most gliomas are not inherited, but rare genetic conditions can increase the risk in some individuals.

Can magnet therapy cure glioma?

No, there’s no scientific evidence that magnet therapy can cure glioma; standard treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.