Pediatric optic ner-glioma: A case study

Abstract

An optic nerve glioma is a type of brain tumor. There are multiple kinds with brain tumors and glioma’s account for approximately one-third of brain tumors. They are typically named after the kind of cells they affect. It is a rare kind of cancer, they are considered low-grade and do not grow as quickly as other types of brain tumors. They are found in the optic chiasm, where the optic nerves cross or surround the optic nerves. They are also referred to as optic glioma or juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma. It is rarely found in individuals over the age of 20. It has also been associated with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis Type 1, or NF1. Evidence suggests that adult malignant gliomas (glioblastoma) are rare & almost always occur in adult males with a very poor prognosis & almost certain death within one year. Optic-nerve gliomas comprise about 1% of all intracranial tumors and Optic nerve glioma is a slow-growing tumours, which typically affects children. 30% of patients have associated neurofibromatosis type 1 & those have better prognosis. However, optic nerve glioma of children is discussed in this article. Keywords: Optic nerve glioma, Juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma, Brain tumors, Malignant glioma (glioblastoma) and intracranial tumors