What is an optic pathway glioma?
An optic pathway glioma is one of several different types of brain tumour that may affect children. Brain tumours are caused by cells growing and multiplying in an uncontrolled way to form an abnormal lump. This happens because the DNA, which programmes how cells behave, changes. The cells that form an optic pathway glioma are similar to glial cells that support and feed other brain cells. This tumour develops in the areas of the brain containing the nerve cells that transmit visual information from the eyes to the brain. These areas are the optic nerves, optic chiasm, hypothalamus, optic tracts and optic radiations, which together form the optic pathway. Some tumours are classified as benign if they grow but do not spread elsewhere. Others are classified as being malignant or cancerous if they can spread to other parts of the body. The vast majority of optic pathway gliomas are benign but can still cause serious symptoms.
