Neuroglia. Non-excitable cells of neural tissue that support, protect and insulate neurons; glial cells. Neurons. nerve cells that are excitable (ability to respond) and transmit electrical signals.

Glia, also called glial cells or neuroglia, are non-neuronal cells in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system that do not produce electrical impulses. They maintain homeostasis, form myelin in the peripheral nervous system, and provide support and protection for neurons.

Neuroglia include (1) ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord; (2) cells of the PNS (Schwann cell) and CNS (oligodendrocyte) that wrap around axons to form compacted plasma membranes (myelin) that provide electrical insulation to speed nerve conduction; (3) cells ( …

central nervous system

nerve glue

Oligodendrocytes produce myelin. Why is the brain tumor more likely to be formed from glial cells than from neurons? Because the sheath is produced by several Schwann cells that arrange themselves end tot end along the nerve fiber, each Schwann well forming only one tiny segment of the sheath.

Astrocytomas are glial cell tumors developed from connective tissue cells called astrocytes and are the most common primary intra-axial brain tumor, accounting for nearly half of all primary brain tumors.

Transduction by oncogenic lentiviral vectors of neural stem cells (NSCs), astrocytes, or even mature neurons in the brain of mice can give rise to malignant gliomas.

Most brain tumors come from the glial cells or other non-neuronal cells in the CNS. Neuronal tumors are a rare group of brain tumors made of abnormal neurons. Mixed neuronal-glial tumors are a rare group of brain tumors that have abnormal neuron cells along with glial cells.

About Glioma A glioma is a primary brain tumor that originates from the supportive cells of the brain, called glial cells. Glial cells are the most common cellular component of the brain. There are five to 10 times more glial cells than neurons.

Rarely are benign tumors untreatable. Survival in children for all brain tumors is about 70%; long-term side effects (for example, vision problems, speech problems, decreased strength) are common. For adults, five-year survival is related to age group, with younger ages (20-44) surviving at about a 50% rate.

If you develop a schwannoma in an arm or leg, you may notice a painless lump. Schwannomas are rarely cancerous, but they can lead to nerve damage and loss of muscle control.

The prognosis for a person with schwannoma depends on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Depending on where the tumor is, people may have long term muscle weakness or hearing loss. If the entire tumor is removed by surgery, it is not likely to grow back.

Nerve Sheath Tumor Symptoms

• Pain.
• Numbness, tingling, itching or a burning sensation.
• Weakness.
• A mass that the person can see or feel.

They are very amenable to treatment, but sometimes the best option is no treatment at all. Depending on the details of your condition, leaving your benign nerve sheath tumor alone may be your best choice.

A nerve sheath tumor is an abnormal growth within the cells of this covering. Nerve sheath tumors such as neurofibromas and schwannomas are mostly benign, but malignant nerve sheath tumors can be serious and require prompt treatment.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are typically treated with surgery. In certain cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy also may be recommended.

Treatment of Benign Tumors In many cases, benign tumors need no treatment. Doctors may simply use “watchful waiting” to make sure they cause no problems. But treatment may be needed if symptoms are a problem. Surgery is a common type of treatment for benign tumors.

Symptoms of a schwannoma may be vague and will vary depending on its location and size, but may include a lump or bump that can be seen or felt, pain, muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, hearing problems, and/or facial paralysis.