Astrocytoma is a type of tumor that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. It originates from star-shaped cells called astrocytes that regulate electrical impulses in the brain. Astrocytomas are the most common form of glioma.
Astrocytomas are classified into four different grades based on how aggressive the cancer is.
Grade 1 astrocytomas are the least aggressive. These tumors can be benign or slow-growing and are generally associated with long-term survival. This grade includes subependymomas and pilocytic astrocytomas.
Grade 2 astrocytomas are slow-growing tumors that may eventually develop into larger or more aggressive tumors.
Grade 3 astrocytomas are anaplastic (malignant) tumors. These grow more quickly than Grade 2.
Grade 4 astrocytomas include glioblastoma multiforme, which is the most common primary brain tumor. Glioblastoma multiforme can quickly grow and spread to other parts of the brain, leading to seizures and other serious complications.