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Optic glioma - Treatment

Alternative Names

Glioma - optic; Optic nerve glioma

Treatment:

Treatment varies with the size of the tumor and the general health of the person. The goal may be to cure the disorder, relieve symptoms, or improve vision and comfort.

Surgical removal may cure some optic gliomas. Partial removal to reduce the bulk of the tumor is feasible in many cases, which will minimize pressure-induced damage from the tumor.

Radiation therapy may be advised in some cases where the tumor is extensive and surgery is not possible. In some cases, radiation therapy may be delayed because of the slow growth that this tumor typically displays.

Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation during radiation therapy, or if symptoms return.

Chemotherapy could be useful in a number of children. Chemotherapy might be especially useful when the tumor extends into the hypothalamus.

Support Groups:

For organizations that provide support and additional information, see blindness resources.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook is highly variable. Early treatment improves the chance of a good outcome. Many tumors are curable with surgery, while others return.

Normally, the growth of the tumor is very slow, and the condition remains stable for long periods of time. However, in adults and some childhood cases where the optic chiasm is involved, the tumor behaves aggressively.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have any vision loss, painless bulging of your eye forwards, or other symptoms of this condition.

  • Reviewed last on: 6/10/2008
  • James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Homes LR, Munzenrider JE, Elner VM, Bardenstein DS, Lichter AS. Eye, orbit, and adnexal structures. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone;2004;chap 70.

Olitsky SE, Hug D, Smith LP. Abnormalities of the optic nerve. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders;2007;chap 608.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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