What Is Astrocytoma?

Locations Found

Some types of astrocytomas are characterized by the location in the brain where they are found. Astrocytomas that begin in the tissues that make up the cerebellum are referred to as cerebellar astrocytomas. The cerebellum, a region inside the brain located near the base of the skull, is responsible for the coordination of balance and muscle movements. An optic pathway glioma is a type of astrocytoma that begins in the cells around or in the optic nerve, which is responsible for the transmission of visual information from the eyes to the vision center in the brain. A hypothalamic glioma and thalamic glioma are a type of astrocytoma that begins in the region of the brain referred to as the thalamus. The thalamus is a relay center for an individual's movements and is responsible for the identification of sensations like pain, touch, and temperature changes. The hypothalamus sits just underneath the thalamus and functions to regulate an individual's body temperature, appetite, sleep, and hormone function. A tectal glioma is a type of astrocytoma that forms in the brain stem roof, which is responsible for an individual's heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.

Read about the common symptoms of an astrocytoma next.