Glioma is a tumour that occurs in the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas originate from the glial cells which are the supportive cells that surround nerve cells.
Gliomas maybe classified based on the cell of origin: Gliomas originate from glial cells. The glial cells surround neurons (nerve cells) and provide support as well as insulation between them. Glial cells are the most abundant cell types in the central nervous system. Three types of glial cells can produce tumours:
GRADE BASED CLASSIFICATION OF TUMOURS
The classification of gliomas has a scale which ranges from 1 to 4. The grade reflects the aggressiveness of the tumour. Grade 1 tumours occur mainly in children and tend to have the best prognosis. Grade 2 tumours or low-grade gliomas represent slow-growing tumours which have an intermediate prognosis. Grade 3 or anaplastic tumours and Grade 4 tumours (glioblastoma) are considered high-grade gliomas as they tend to be more aggressive and have the least favourable prognosis.
Sources: Mayo Clinic; European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS FOR BRAIN CANCER / GLIOMAS
TREATMENT OF BRAIN CANCER (GLIOMAS)
The management of cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, additional health issues, age etc. Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy may be used.
Sources: Mayo Clinic; European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO); Texas Oncology; American Cancer Society
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT): Unlike most other diseases, cancer treatment requires an integrated approach from several specialists, each with their own expertise. This team of specialists who would work together on your cancer, is referred to as the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Many global organisations have recognized the importance of a MDT for cancer treatment, as it improves coordinated care to you, as a patient. Your MDT would include specialists from the following:
Some hospitals that take an organ-based approach to cancer, have a separate department for Central Nervous System (CNS) cancers. These teams comprise of specialists who have dedicated training in cancers occurring in the brain and spinal cord.
TUMOR BOARD: A tumor board is a meeting where a Multi-Disciplinary Team discusses cancer cases and share knowledge. The board’s goal is to determine the best possible cancer treatment and care plan for an individual patient. Having fresh perspectives from other doctors makes it much easier to come up with that plan.
In some hospitals, all cancer cases are discussed at the Tumor Board, while in other hospitals the Tumor Board focuses on cases where a doctor seeks inputs from other specialists on the patient's case. It’s OK to ask your doctor if or why your case was discussed at a tumor board. Or if it wasn’t, why not? In some cases, a patient’s treatment plan is very straightforward using standard treatment guidelines, and the doctor may feel a tumor board review isn’t needed. However, you can request that one be done.
SUPPORT GROUPS: These are offline or online groups that connect patients suffering from cancer. Do find out about a support group around you. The hospital where you are being treated may have a support group that you could join.
Sources: Mayo Clinic
Choosing your oncologist and hospital is a very important decision, we recommend you make the time to research your options. We profile doctors and hospitals based on their range of services to treat brain cancer. Use our search tools to find a suitable medical provider. You may get in touch with us for any assistance during selection or booking process.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you need to find an oncologist to begin your treatment. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. For brain cancer / Gliomas, you can start by visiting a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Choose someone you are not only confident about but also comfortable with.
TIPS TO FIND AN ONCOLOGIST
TIPS TO FIND A HOSPITAL
Sources: Rogel Cancer Center; Cancer.Net
Source: TEDed
Source: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Source: Cancer Research UK
Source: Samitivej Hospitals
Source: John Hopkins Medicine
Source: Cancer Research UK
Source: Get Palliative Care
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Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
Share your details to receive a Call Back from our team.
It is a unique peer-support network of cancer survivors, for patients. By being a part of this network, you can support patients by speaking to them on a call.
Why should I join the Canswer network?
Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge experiences”. Only you, the survivor, has the real experience to support and guide patients who are still fighting cancer. Most patients say talking to a survivor is an important way of dealing with the disease. We want this network to provide a simple way for survivors to support patients, by just making a call.
What is expected of me during the call?
Simply share your experience with the patient honestly. Most patients may have questions on situations that cancer patients face commonly, you can use your own experience to answer. Good listening and encouragement can do wonders.
How will I know if any patient wants to talk to me?
Patients who find your profile as a match can request an introduction to you through our website. Our team will get in touch with you to seek a time that is convenient for you to take the call. We will schedule the call to introduce you to the patient at the appointed time.
Will my identity and contact details be shared?
Your contact details (such as name, phone, email, etc.) are never shared with anyone. We will facilitate the call using a phone line that doesn’t reveal your number during the call.
How much time do I have to devote, if I join this network?
Calls are only setup after taking a prior appointment with you. There is no expectation of minimum or maximum number of calls you have to take, it’s totally up to you. The normal duration of a call is up to 20-30 mins. If the patient needs more time, we request them to schedule a separate call.
Do I get paid for attending calls?
Yes. We appreciate the time you make from your busy schedule to support patients. As a token of appreciation, we provide Rs. 1000/- at the end of every five calls you support.
Please follow these Do’s and Don’ts while guiding patients or caregivers:
Enter your name and mobile number so that you can get a Call Back from our team.
Note: DCode Care doesn’t charge anything to patients for coordinating enquiries and booking appointments to its patients.