Diffuse midline glioma
A fast growing glioma in the middle of the brain or the spinal cord.
What a diffuse midline glioma is
This is a glioma that grows in the middle parts of the brain or in the spinal cord. Middle parts include the brain stem, the thalamus, and the cord itself.
Diffuse means it spreads into healthy tissue around it instead of sitting in one lump. That makes it hard to remove with surgery.
It is graded 4.
The gene change in its name
Most of these tumors have a change called H3 K27. Your report may say "H3 K27-altered". Doctors use that change to name the tumor, not just where it sits.
A tumor in the pons, a part of the brain stem, may be called DIPG. DIPG is one kind of diffuse midline glioma: A tumor that starts in the glial cells, the support cells of the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas are graded 1 to 4 by how fast they tend to grow. See the glossary, not another word for all of them.
What to ask your team
- Where exactly is mine?
- Was it tested for the H3 K27 change?
- Can a biopsy be done safely, and would it change the plan?
This is not medical advice. It explains research in plain words. Your care team knows your case. Talk with them before you make any decision about your treatment.