Thalamic Glioma Overview
Thalamic glioma is a rare type of brain tumor that originates in the thalamus. Located deep within the brain, the thalamus is a major processing and relaying center for sensory information that travels between the brain and the rest of the body. The tumor is categorized as glioma because it arises from glial cells, which provide physical and chemical support to nerve cells (neurons) in the brain.
Thalamic glioma can affect both adults and children. Because these complex tumors form in a delicate area of the brain, they require highly specialized care.
Thalamic glioma causes
The exact causes of thalamic glioma are not well understood. Like many types of brain cancer, its origins are believed to be caused by many factors.
All types of glioma, including thalamic glioma, result from the abnormal growth and reproduction of glial cells. This harmful behavior begins after glial cells undergo changes to their DNA, which provides the instructions for cellular proliferation. The DNA mutations cause this normally well-ordered process to go awry.
Thalamic glioma risk factors
Thalamic glioma often occurs sporadically without a clear and identifiable cause. With that said, certain factors are associated with an increased risk of developing glioma. These include:
- A family history of glioma
- Certain genetic mutations
- Frequent exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation from medical treatments or environmental sources
Thalamic glioma symptoms
Thalamic glioma may cause noticeable warning signs as the growing tumor begins to press on nearby tissues. The symptoms—which can vary depending on the size and growth rate of the tumor—can include:
- Headaches that may be worse in the morning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or cognitive decline
- Memory loss
- Irritability and other personality changes
- Blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision
- Speech difficulties
- Seizures
Thalamic glioma diagnostic testing
Some tests and procedures that may be used to diagnose thalamic glioma include:
- A neurological examination to test vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans to provide detailed visuals of the brain
- A stereotactic needle biopsy to remove a sample of tumor tissue for microscopic analysis
Thalamic glioma treatment
Surgical removal of the tumor is the preferred treatment approach for thalamic glioma when possible. Often, radiation therapy is used after surgery to target any remaining cancer cells and help prevent recurrence. If surgical treatment is not feasible, radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center
Historically, thalamic glioma was largely considered to be inoperable due to its deep-seated location and proximity to sensitive structures in the brain. In recent years, however, tremendous progress has been made in the surgical management of these complex tumors.
Moffitt is firmly positioned at the forefront of brain cancer research, and many of the experts on our brain tumor board lead or contribute to national efforts. Utilizing groundbreaking technological advances in imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques, the experienced neurosurgeons in our Neuro-Oncology Program offer surgery as a safe and effective treatment option for certain patients with thalamic glioma. Our patients also have unique opportunities to be among the first to benefit from promising new treatments—such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies—through our robust portfolio of brain cancer clinical trials.
If you would like to learn more about thalamic glioma, you can request an appointment with a specialist in our Neuro-Oncology Program by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.