Glioma Treatment with Dr. Shah-Naz Khan, Neurosurgeon in Flint, MI
A glioma is a tumor that begins in the brain’s supporting (glial) cells. Gliomas range from slow-growing low-grade tumors to aggressive high-grade tumors such as glioblastoma. Treatment usually begins with surgery to remove as much as is safely possible, followed by further care guided by the exact diagnosis, which today includes molecular testing of the tumor.
What it is
A tumor that starts in the brain’s glial (support) cells.
Low vs high grade
Graded 1 to 4, from slow-growing to aggressive.
Common symptoms
Seizures, headaches, and changes in strength, speech, or vision.
How it is diagnosed
MRI, a biopsy, and molecular testing of the tissue.
Main treatments
Safe surgical removal, radiation, and medical therapy.
What is a glioma?
A glioma is a tumor that forms when the brain’s supporting cells, called glial cells, grow out of control. Glial cells normally surround and support the neurons that carry the brain’s signals. Gliomas are primary brain tumors, meaning they begin in the brain itself rather than spreading from elsewhere.
Gliomas are graded from 1 to 4 based on how the cells look and how quickly they tend to grow. Low-grade gliomas (grades 1 and 2) generally grow slowly, while high-grade gliomas (grades 3 and 4) grow more quickly. Glioblastoma is a grade 4 glioma and the most aggressive type.
Modern diagnosis looks beyond how the tumor appears under the microscope. Testing the tumor’s molecular markers, such as IDH and 1p/19q status, now helps classify a glioma precisely and guide treatment. See all brain tumor types →
How gliomas are grouped
Common types of glioma
Gliomas include several types, defined today by both their appearance and their molecular markers.
Astrocytoma
Starts in star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. Astrocytomas span a range of grades, from slower to faster growing.
Oligodendroglioma
A glioma defined by two molecular features together, an IDH mutation and 1p/19q co-deletion. It tends to grow slowly.
Glioblastoma
The most aggressive glioma. Under current classification, glioblastoma is defined as an IDH-wildtype grade 4 tumor.
Ependymoma
Starts in the ependymal cells that line the fluid-filled spaces of the brain and spinal cord.
What are the symptoms of a glioma?
Symptoms depend on where the glioma is and how fast it is growing. Seizures are a common first sign.
Common symptoms
- Seizures, often one of the earliest signs
- Headaches that are new, persistent, or worse in the morning
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increasing tiredness or drowsiness
Symptoms from location
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Trouble with speech, language, or vision
- Problems with balance or coordination
- Changes in memory, thinking, personality, or mood
How is a glioma diagnosed?
Imaging finds the tumor, and testing the tissue confirms exactly which glioma it is.
MRI with contrast
MRI is the main test to find a glioma and map its location and size. Contrast dye highlights the tumor and helps plan surgery.
Biopsy or surgery
A tissue sample, taken as a biopsy or during surgery to remove the tumor, is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Molecular testing
The tissue is examined under a microscope and tested for molecular markers such as IDH and 1p/19q, which now define the exact type and guide treatment.
How is a glioma treated?
Most gliomas are treated with a combination of approaches, planned by more than one specialty. Surgery is often the first step.
Safe surgical removal
When a glioma is reachable, surgery aims to remove as much as possible without harming healthy brain, and to provide tissue for an exact diagnosis.
Awake craniotomy and mapping
For tumors near areas that control movement or language, surgery can be done while you are awake, with brain mapping to help protect those functions.
Radiation
Focused radiation is often used after surgery, or when surgery is not possible, to treat remaining tumor cells.
Chemotherapy
Medical therapy such as chemotherapy may be part of the plan for higher-grade gliomas, guided by a neuro-oncology team.
Safe removal and an accurate diagnosis
For most gliomas, the neurosurgeon has two goals: to remove as much tumor as can be taken safely, and to obtain good tissue so the tumor can be classified precisely. Both matter, because how much is safely removed and exactly what the tumor is together shape everything that follows.
A glioma diagnosis is stressful, and honest guidance matters. Dr. Khan reviews your imaging personally, explains what is and is not possible, and coordinates with the wider cancer team. Second opinions are genuinely welcomed. Learn about second opinions →
What shapes the plan
Glioma care from a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon
Shah-Naz Khan, MD, FRCSC, FAANS is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and the founder of the Institute of General and Endovascular Neurosurgery in Flint, Michigan. Brain tumor surgery, including gliomas, is a core part of her practice.
She founded the practice in 2014 on a standard of excellence, ethics, and integrity. Every case is evaluated personally, surgery is recommended only when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk, and she works alongside the wider cancer team when further treatment is needed. Explore brain tumor care →
Why patients choose IGEN
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon
- Focus on safe, maximal tumor removal to protect function
- Every case personally reviewed by Dr. Khan, not delegated
- Coordinated care with neuro-oncology and radiation specialists
- Second opinions genuinely welcomed
Gliomas: frequently asked questions
Is a glioma a brain tumor?
Is a glioma cancer?
What is glioblastoma?
What is the difference between low-grade and high-grade glioma?
How is a glioma treated?
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Khan about a glioma?
Facing a glioma diagnosis? Get a personal review and an honest plan.
Whether you have new symptoms, a scan that found a mass, or a glioma diagnosis you want to understand, Dr. Khan will review your imaging personally and explain your options clearly.
- Request a consultation by phone or through the contact form.
- Share any MRI or CT results you already have so nothing is repeated needlessly.
- Meet Dr. Khan for a personal review, a clear explanation, and honest next steps.