About PLGAs
Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytomas (PLGAs) are unequivocally the most common form of childhood brain tumors. The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States estimates that there are over 20,000 children with PLGAs today with over 1000 new children diagnosed with some type of astrocytoma brain tumor each year.
First, PLGAs are a form of glioma. (For a more in-depth definition, please consult the Common Brain Tumor Questions page of this website).
Second, your child's brain tumor may be named by one or more names. Some potential names for your child's tumor type may include: juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma (JPA), fibrillary astrocytoma, optic pathway glioma, brainstem glioma, pilomyxoid astrocytoma, cerebellar, hemispheric (including frontal, temporal, parietal, insular), diencenphalic (thalamic/hypothalamic), disseminated, DNET, etc.
Basically, sometimes the child's brain tumor will be termed by the cell's appearance. At other times the same tumor may be called by a different name because of the location in the brain.
Third,PLGAs, are classified as 'Stage 1 or 2' on the World Health Organization's grading system for children's brain tumors. They are considered 'low-grade gliomas/astrocytomas' because they are 'slow-growing'.
Although PLGA may be called "benign" or "non-malignant" because of the tumor's microscopic appearance, these brain tumors found in children, can be life threatening if the growth can not be stopped. Many experts believe that "any tumor in a child's brain should be thought of as malignant as its presence and potential growth carry substantial risks and even death."
Currently, if the child's brain tumor can not be completely surgically removed, then chemotherapy and/or radiation may be given. These treatments, without question, impinge on the quality of life for the child as he/she will experience short- and long-term side effects.
If you are still confused about your child's tumor classification, you're not alone. Please take a look at Understanding Your Child's Brain Tumor Classification which gives a more thorough explanation.
Brain Tumor Symptoms
Brain tumor symptoms vary depending on the childs age and the tumorҒs location. Some of the most common include:
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Loss of balance, difficulty walking, worsening handwriting, or slow speech
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Morning headache or headache that goes away after vomiting
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Nausea and vomiting
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Papilloedema
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Macrocephaly
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Unusual lethargy or change in energy level
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Change in personality or behavior
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Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
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Reduced visual acuity
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Seizures
Brain Tumor Treatment Facts
- First line chemotherapy treatment has NOT changed in over 25 years.
- There has been little, research conducted on pediatric low grade astrocytoma brain tumorsuntil now.
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With new scientific advances, accelerating research investigations to find more effective therapies for PLGA is quite realistic according to experts.
