Tumors / Characteristics

High grade gliomas are malignant tumors that form in the brain or spinal cord and grow quickly and spread rapidly throughout the central nervous system. 

They include glioblastoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma, and anaplastic ependymoma. They are classified as grade III or IV tumors.

Low grade gliomas are tumors that form in the brain or spinal cord from glial cells that support the neurons. They are slow growing and are more common in children and adults younger than 40. 

They include pilocytic astrocytoma, diffuse astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and ependymoma. They are classified as grade I or II tumors.