glioma
Pronunciation: glee-OH-mah
Primary brain tumour arising from glial cells, classified by grade and histological subtype.
Full Definition
Glioma is a type of primary brain tumour that originates from glial cells, the supportive tissue of the nervous system. These tumours are classified according to the World Health Organization grading system (Grade I-IV) based on histological features including cellularity, mitotic activity, vascular proliferation, and necrosis. Common subtypes include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas. Low-grade gliomas (Grades I-II) grow slowly and may be managed with observation or surgery alone, while high-grade gliomas (Grades III-IV) are aggressive and require multimodal treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify grade and histological subtype when discussing gliomas for accurate clinical communication.
In Context
- "MRI findings were consistent with a low-grade glioma in the left frontal lobe." — Neuro-oncology referral
- "Molecular markers including IDH mutation status influence glioma prognosis and treatment decisions." — Tumour board discussion