glioma
Pronunciation: glee-OH-mah
A primary brain tumor arising from glial cells that can compress the visual pathways and cause neuro-ophthalmological symptoms.
Full Definition
Gliomas are primary brain tumors that develop from the supportive glial cells of the nervous system, including astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells. In neuro-ophthalmology, gliomas are significant when they involve or compress the visual pathways, including optic nerve gliomas, optic chiasm gliomas, and tumors affecting the optic radiations or visual cortex. These tumors can cause progressive visual field defects, visual acuity loss, or papilledema depending on their location. Optic pathway gliomas are particularly common in children and may be associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the anatomical location when discussing gliomas affecting the visual pathway.
In Context
- "MRI revealed an optic chiasm glioma causing bitemporal visual field defects in the pediatric patient." — Radiology report
- "The patient's progressive visual loss was attributed to a low-grade optic nerve glioma." — Oncology consultation