High grade [Grades III–IV] gliomas (HGG) are undifferentiated or anaplastic. These are malignant tumours and carry a worse prognosis than low grade gliomas.
This page covers information about types of high grade glioma. Click here for information about HGG prognosis.
Types of high grade glioma
High grade gliomas are classified as grade 3 or grade 4 depending on type of cells and molecular testing. They are aggressive and fast-growing. There are four main types of high-grade gliomas:
| Grade 3 |
| • Anaplastic astrocytoma • Anaplastic oligodendroglioma • Anaplastic ependymoma |
| Grade 4 |
| • Glioblastoma or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) |
Click on the conditions to find out more about them or scroll down.
Common symptoms
The types of symptoms associated with brain tumours are dependent on the tumour’s location. The most common symptoms that occur with these brain tumours are:
- Headaches
- Lethargy/drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Personality changes
- Disturbed vision
- Weakness of the muscles and loss of control of bodily movements
- Seizures/fits/convulsions
- Vertigo/dizziness
Anaplastic Astrocytoma
Anaplastic astrocytomas grow in the star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes. Astrocytomas can start as low grade developing slowly over time, but then change to anaplastic rapid growth. Anaplastic astrocytomas are the 3rd most common brain tumour.
In addition to the above common symptoms, symptoms commonly associated with anaplastic astrocytomas include:
- Lethargy/ drowsiness
Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma
Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas make up about 3% of adult brain tumours. The tumours develop from glial cells called oligodendrocytes. It is a grade 3 tumour. The majority of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas are found in the frontal lobe of the brain, with the temporal lobe being the second most common site for an oligodendroglioma to be found. Grade 2 oligodendrogliomas can be slow-growing with grade 3 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas being faster growing. Some grade 2 oligodendrogliomas can change to grade 3.
In addition to the above common symptoms, someone with an anaplastic oligodendroglioma may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Strange sensations (strange smells, hallucinations relating to sense of smell)
- Difficulty speaking
Anaplastic Ependymoma
Anaplastic ependymomas are a relatively rare form of brain tumour in adults, accounting for only 3% of central nervous system (nerves in brain and spinal cord) tumours. They are more commonly found in children. Low grade (Grade 1 & 2) are more commonly found in the spine. Anaplastic ependymoma (Grade 3 tumours) are mainly found in the brain.
In addition to the above common symptoms, someone with an anaplastic ependymoma may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Changes in mood
Glioblastoma / Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Glioblastoma or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common form of high-grade glioma in adults. It is a grade 4 tumour which means that it develops quickly causing significant pressure within the brain and have a high chance of recurring in the same or different areas in the brain. While a glioblastoma may grow unnoticed at first, symptoms can increase rapidly as the tumour spreads.
Symptoms associated with glioblastomas include:
- Memory or thinking problems
- Vision changes, such as double vision or vision loss
- Language problems, such as trouble finding the right word for something
Remember
As with all brain tumours, the symptoms that present will depend upon where in the brain the tumour is located. Your symptoms may vary from those listed in the above sections.