How is Glioma Diagnosed?
DiagnosisIf your doctor suspects you may have a glioma, they will review your symptoms and medical history before conducting additional tests. They may use one or more of the following tests and procedures to confirm a glioma diagnosis:
- MRI - A magnetic resonance imaging test uses magnetic fields to create a picture of the brain
- CT scan - A computed tomography scan uses x-rays to create detailed images of the brain
- Biopsy - A doctor removes and analyzes a piece of tissue from a suspected tumor to determine what kind of cells are present and if the tumor is cancerous
- Neurological exam - A doctor performs tests to measure your vision, balance, hearing, and speech to look for any abnormalities that a tumor could cause
How is Glioma Treated?
TreatmentsThere are various treatment options for glioma. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of action depending on the tumor’s grade and location, medical history, and lifestyle.
Surgery
For many people, surgery is the first treatment option for a glioma. If your glioma can be surgically removed, our highly skilled neurosurgeons use minimally invasive procedures, including endoscopy, whenever appropriate. We plan surgeries using the latest mapping techniques and imaging methods to maximize tumor removal and safety.
Radiation therapy
Many people with gliomas undergo radiation therapy as part of their treatment. We may use targeted radiation beams as your primary treatment or use them after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Our neurosurgeons work closely with our radiation oncologists to explore your treatment options, including combining focused radiation therapy with other therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Your doctor will let you know if you may benefit from chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously in our infusion center, while others (such as temozolomide) can be taken orally at home. NewYork-Presbyterian pioneered “convection-enhanced delivery,” in which we administer highly concentrated anticancer drugs slowly through a catheter (flexible tube) directly to gliomas.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Glioma Treatment
NewYork-Presbyterian’s brain cancer team is comprised of top experts in the field with years of experience working with cutting-edge therapies. They are leaders in clinical trials, working on new ways to treat patients and deliver anticancer drugs to gliomas more effectively.
Our researchers are assessing other investigational treatments, including immunotherapies that are effective against other cancers and novel targeted therapies.