Did you know most patients with Pontine Glioma, a rare and seriously hazardous brain tumour, are children? For additional details, keep reading.
The pons, a region of the brainstem that regulates critical functions including breathing, swallowing, and balancing, is where pontine glioma, also known as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), first appears. The pons connect the cerebral hemispheres and spinal cord and are close to the brain's base.
DIPGs are high-grade gliomas, which means they are cancerous and spread swiftly. They are referred to as “diffuse” because they extend over the brainstem and into various regions, making surgery to remove them practically impossible. Therapy for diffuse pontine glioma is quite challenging due to its location and diffuse nature.
The precise aetiology of pontine glioma is still unknown, and there is no known risk factor. It is not connected to environmental or lifestyle factors that may be readily avoided. Pontine gliomas are usually identified clinically by symptoms like balance issues, difficulty walking, and cranial nerve dysfunction.
What Are Pontine Glioma Symptoms?
DIPG sickness, a specific kind of brain tumour, typically affects children. The symptoms of Pontine Glioma are usually linked to the tumour's placement in the brainstem, specifically in the pons, which controls several critical body systems. Typical signs of a DIPG brain tumour include the following:
1. Balance And Coordination Problems
Children with DIPG may have problems walking, stumbling, and poor coordination. Additionally, they could have trouble completing tasks that require fine motor skills.
2. Limb Weakness
Muscle weakness brought on by DIPG often impacts the arms and legs. Children may struggle to hold onto objects, feel worn out from exertion, or struggle with chores that need strength.
3. Cranial Nerve Dysfunction
The cranial nerves are in charge of regulating facial expressions, eye movements, and swallowing. Interruption of these nerves can cause symptoms such as double vision, face drooping, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and problems with eye movement.
4. Modifications To Speaking
A child with DIPG might have alterations in their speech habits. They may slur their speech, have difficulty pronouncing words, or alter the tone of their voice.
5. Breathing Issues
Children with DIPG may experience breathing difficulties because the tumour affects the brain stem, which regulates respiration. Changes in respiratory rhythms, rapid breathing, or breathlessness can all be signs of this.
6. Migraines
A common symptom of many brain tumours, including DIPG, is headaches. Chronic or worsening headaches in children are not uncommon, frequently occurring in conjunction with other symptoms.
7. Behavioural And Neurological Changes
DIPG can bring behavioural changes like impatience, mood swings, and personality changes. Neurological symptoms in children, such as vertigo, seizures, or changes in awareness, are also possible.
What Are The Treatment For Pontine Glioma
Few therapeutic options are available for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), which has a poor prognosis. Due to the tumour's placement in the brainstem and the DIPG's infiltrative characteristics, surgery cannot remove the tumour.
The blood-brain barrier makes transporting drugs effectively to the tumour's site challenging. Many different therapy modalities are used to manage DIPG and improve the quality of life for affected children.
These are made up of the following:
1. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the primary treatment for tumours associated with DIPG. It aims to improve overall survival by easing symptoms, reducing the tumour, and doing so. As part of the treatment, focused radiation is frequently given to the cancer area over several weeks. Even while radiation therapy can momentarily shrink cancer, this rarely occurs.
2. Chemotherapy
Several chemotherapeutic medications have been tried to treat DIPG, but their effectiveness has been patchy. They might be applied as a palliative measure or in conjunction with radiation therapy. Clinical studies are continuously conducted to assess novel chemotherapy drugs and medication delivery methods.
3. Treatments For Molecular Abnormalities
Researchers are looking into therapies that target particular molecular abnormalities found in DIPG tumours. These therapies block the signalling pathways that support cancer survival and growth. Despite being hopeful, targeted therapies for DIPG tumours are now experimental and primarily available through clinical trials.
4. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body's natural capacity to identify and eliminate malignant cells. Immunotherapeutic methods, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and customised vaccines, are being researched in clinical trials to treat DIPG. But the outcomes are still in the early stages.
The Final Say
Maintaining a good diet should be the major focus of DIPG treatment to enhance overall health and well-being. Concentrate on consuming a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and lean proteins. Hydration is essential thus, drinking enough water is also necessary.
Work with a speech therapist if swallowing difficulties arise due to the pontine glioma. Think about eating modest, frequent meals and easy-to-eat snacks. For further details, speak with the radiation oncology and medical oncology departments at Bansal Hospital.
About Bansal Hospital
Bansal Hospital is a multispeciality hospital and is one of the leading, reputable and reliable healthcare providers trusted by patients and their families across the region. It has all the major departments, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, urology, liver transplant, bone marrow transplantation, nephrology, gynaecology and more. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology and has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and medical staff who provide round-the-clock care to the patient.
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