Frequently Asked Questions About Low Grade Glioma

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Grade Glioma

What is a low grade glioma?
There are different types of low grade gliomas. The most common are diffuse astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. In general, low grade gliomas are slow-growing primary brain tumors that arise from the glial (or helper) cells of the brain.

What is the difference between a low grade glioma and a high grade glioma?
Low grade gliomas grow more slowly and are less aggressive when compared with high grade gliomas.

What is the most common symptom of low grade gliomas?
The most common symptom of low grade gliomas is seizures. Other symptoms can include headache, vision changes, difficulty with balance or movement, and changes in speech or language.

Does low grade glioma give you epilepsy?
The most common symptom of a low grade glioma is seizures. Repeated seizures may result in a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy. Patients with seizures and a low grade glioma are considered to have tumor-related epilepsy.

The Northwestern Medicine Low Grade Glioma Program specializes in the treatment of epilepsy in people with low grade gliomas. The goal is to eliminate seizures and improve quality of life.

Is a low grade glioma benign or malignant?
Low grade gliomas grow slowly, but are still malignant (cancerous). They also can progress into high grade gliomas, which means they can begin growing and spreading more quickly over time.

What causes low grade gliomas?
Like most brain tumors, the cause of low grade gliomas is unknown in most cases. However, some are associated with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1. Northwestern offers genetic testing opportunities where you can learn more about this genetic condition.

What are the best treatments for a low grade glioma?
Surgery, radiation, and medical therapy may be used to treat a low grade glioma, either separately or in combination, depending on your individual case.

Will a low grade glioma come back?
In some cases, low grade gliomas, in particular Grade 2 gliomas, come back after surgery and treatment. This is called recurrent low grade glioma. To monitor for this, you will have regular imaging tests of your brain after treatment, and you will continue to follow up with our team.

Will I need surgery again?
Some people may require multiple surgeries to manage low grade gliomas.

Can children get a low grade glioma?
Yes. Patients with a low grade glioma diagnosis in childhood may need regular follow-up into adulthood. Our team can work with your pediatric neurology team to ensure that your transition to adult care is smooth.

How should low grade gliomas be monitored after treatment?
Your care team will use regular imaging tests to observe your brain tissue after treatment, and you will continue to have follow-up visits with our team.

Should I get a second opinion?
If you have been diagnosed with a low grade glioma, a second opinion is always a good idea. This can help confirm your diagnosis and ensure you have the best treatment plan possible. In some cases, a second opinion may change your diagnosis or treatment plan. If you are seeking a second opinion, our team will contact you within 48 hours to discuss scheduling an appointment with our clinic.