Glioma - optic; Optic nerve glioma

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 can be done in many cases. This will keep the tumor from damaging normal brain tissue around the tumor.

Radiation therapy may be advised in some cases where the tumor is larger 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.

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

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.

• Decreased vision
• Blindness

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

Images

Neurofibromatosis I, enlarged optic foramen

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Review Date: 03/02/2010
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)