Optic glioma

Definition:
An optic glioma is a tumor created by growth of abnormal cells in one or both optic nerves or the optic chiasm of the brain, or in conjunction with a hypothalamic glioma (a mass in the hypothalamus of the brain).

Alternative Names:

Glioma - optic; Optic nerve glioma



Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Gliomas refer to a class of tumors that can be found in various parts of the brain. Optic gliomas are gliomas that affect part of the optic nerves (the nerves that carry visual information to the brain from the eyes) or the optic chiasm. The cause of optic glioma is unknown.

These tumors most often occur in children and almost always occur before age 20. Optic gliomas are rare. There is a strong association between optic glioma and neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).




Review Date: 11/17/2002
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, M.D., Division of Neurology, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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