1. A Brain Tumor By Any Other Name
A memorable movie line is from the Arnold Schwarzenegger film "Kindergarten Cop", when Schwarzenegger's character complains of a headache and one child suggests he has a tumor. Schwarzenegger replies, "It's not a tumor!" Had the character been suffering from cerebellar astrocytoma, Schwarzenegger would have been wrong. This condition is a malignant or benign brain tumor that grows in the cerebellum (the lower part of the back of the brain near the brain stem), which plays a major role in motor control. An astrocytoma develops from astrocytes (star-shaped glial or supportive cells) in the brain.
2. Suffer the Children
When a brain tumor is found in a child under the age of 10, in about 25% of cases it is cerebellar astrocytoma. The causes of such a brain tumor in children in unknown. As the cerebellum controls motor functions and walking and talking, children who suffer from this type of tumor will lose balance when walking and have trouble talking. These are among the first symptoms of the condition. Weakness, lower energy levels, changes in personality (most notably irritability) and tiredness may also occur.
3. The Pressure of Cerebellar Astrocytoma
The pressure of a tumor on the cerebellum can lead to neurological impairments. As the tumor grows within the confines of the skull, pressure results. How fast the tumor grows depends on whether it is a low-grade or high-grade tumor. The pressure of the growing tumor can cause headaches, nausea and vomiting. As the tumor grows into the brain, the functions of that area of the brain will become impaired. Since the cerebellum controls motor skills, walking, talking, handwriting and balance are all affected. Seizures are also possible.
4. Getting Your Head Examined
Neurological tests might be conducted when examining for cerebellar astrocytoma, but the most telltale tests will be in examinations of the head. A head CT (computed tomography) scan or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the head will show the size and location of the tumor. An MRI is usually more effective and the test of choice to view any tumors of the cerebellum, especially when a substance called gadolinium in injected to allow the tumor to appear brighter (this procedure is called nuclear MRI).
5. Not a Death Sentence
Having a cerebellar astrocytoma is not a death sentence; indeed, this type of brain tumor largely has the best prognosis. If the tumor is low grade, surgery might be performed to remove it. Localized radiation therapy can also reduce the size of the tumor. Chemotherapy is the option for malignant tumors. In many cases, doctors adopt a "wait and see" approach when it comes to many cerebellar astrocytomas, as these can be slow-growing and remain asymptomatic for years.
