Gliomas are primary brain cancers that begin in the glial cells, which are supportive cells in the brain. Glial cells are responsible for multiple functions, like transporting nutrients and insulating neurons. The three main types of gliomas---astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas and ependymomas---arise from three types of glial cells. The symptoms of each glioma vary, though many of them result in neurological problems, like seizures and cognitive changes.
Astrocytoma
Astrocytomas start from astrocytes, which are the star-shaped glial cells that are essential in maintaining a neuron's health and function. The main symptoms of astrocytomas arise from pressure building in the skull as the cancer grows; these symptoms include headaches and vomiting. Headaches from brain cancers are different from other headaches---they are worse in the morning, and can awaken the patient from sleep. Cedars-Sinai states that one in four astrocytoma patients have early symptoms, which include impaired thinking, drowsiness, lethargy, personality changes and judgment problems.
Oligodendroglioma
Oligodendroglioma are another type of glioma that forms from oligodendrocytes; oligodendrocytes are the glial cells responsible for insulating the axon and protecting the electrical signals being sent down the neuron. The National Brain Tumor Society states that less than 3 percent of brain tumors are oligodendrogliomas. A patient with an oligodendroglioma can have behavioral and cognitive changes that affect how she thinks and interacts with other people. Other symptoms include seizures, headaches and weakness. Weakness in the legs can lead to paralysis on some cases.
Ependymoma
Ependymoma begin in the ependymal lining, which is in the brain and spinal cord. Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, author of the article "Ependymoma," states that one out of 11 childhood brain tumors are ependymoma. The cancer can affect the patient's mobility, which includes balance and walking problems. The patient may also have frequent headaches, nausea, vomiting and seizures.
