A diffuse pontine glioma is a high-grade, or malignant, tumor. This type of tumor is found in the stem-like part of the brain, which controls many vital functions , such as breathing , swalloing , motor skills , stroke like symptoms on either the left or right side. Also effects the eye sight , one or both eyes will cross inward, causing double vision. The age at diagnosis is 5 to 9 years old, and these tumors occur at the same rate in boys and girls.

There are no known factors or conditions that cause one child to get it , and one not to.

The symptoms of a diffuse pontine glioma :

Diffuse pontine gliomas usually show up within a month or less with symptoms prior to diagnosis, the rapid growth of these tumors. The following are the most common symptoms of a diffuse pontine glioma, however each child may experience symptoms differently. Common symptoms may include:

rapidly developing inability to control eye movements, facial expressions, chewing and swallowing
weakness in the arms and legs
impaired ability to walk
hydrocephalus (build up of fluid pressure in the brain)
symptoms of increased pressure within the brain. These symptoms include:
headache (generally upon awakening in the morning)
vomiting
fatigue

The symptoms of a brain tumor may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's Dr.for a diagnosis.

The World Health Organization classification scheme includes 4 grades of glioma. Only 25-30 percent of these tumors are biopsied. This type of tumor is the most aggressive brain tumor.

A diagnosis of diffuse pontine glioma is most commonly made from an MRI , CT Scan . Biopsy is a high-risk procedure. Biopsies have been performed when the symptoms and other tests do not seem typical for diffuse pontine glioma. Diagnostic procedures for diffuse pontine glioma may include:

Treatments for a diffuse pontine glioma:

Specific treatment for a diffuse pontine glioma will be determined by your child's physician based on:

your child's age, overall health, and medical history
type, location, and size of the tumor
extent of the disease
your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
how your child's doctors expects the disease to progress
your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

radiation therapy - the primary therapy for newly diagnosed diffuse pontine glioma, radiation produces responses in 75 percent of patients with diffuse pontine gliomas. These responses are short term , with a life expectency of less than 6 months. Several trials to increase the dose have been performed and none has improved survival.

There is no surgical option in the treatment of these tumors. To date, no chemotherapy has been demonstrated to increase survival in diffuse pontine gliomas.

Side effects are managed with :

Side effects in the treatment of diffuse pontine gliomas can arise from radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy often produces inflammation, which can temporarily make symptoms worse. To control this inflammation steroids are sometimes necessary. Some of the chemotherapy agents are associated with fatigue, diarrhea, constipation and headache. These side effects can be effectively managed under most circumstances with standard medical approaches.

Many specialized brain tumor treatment centers have now added staff who are expert in complementary or alternative medicine. These treatments, including acupuncture/acupressure, therapeutic touch, massage, herbs and dietary recommendations, can also help to control pain and side effects of therapy.

The expected outcome after treatment for diffuse pontine glioma is :

The prognosis for diffuse pontine gliomas remains poor. Survival is less than 1 year and the 2-year survival rate is less than 20 percent.

Progressive or recurrent disease :

Clinical trials and experimental therapies are available for patients with relapsed high-grade gliomas at specialized centers. Current trials include medications as well as new methods for the delivery of more traditional agents.

This type of tumor is very aggressive , once it is shrunk by radiation , they give the child ( what is called the honeymoon period ) the tumor will shrink and the child will act and look like he/she is getting better. But once it starts to progress , it comes back with a vengence

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