DIPG (pontine)
A diffuse midline glioma in the pons, a part of the brain stem.
What DIPG is
DIPG stands for diffuse intrinsic pontine 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. It is a tumor in the pons, which is part of the brain stem.
The brain stem controls breathing, heartbeat, swallowing, and eye movement. A tumor there causes symptoms early, and it sits among parts the body cannot do without.
DIPG is a kind of diffuse midline glioma. It grows into the tissue around it rather than staying in one lump, so surgery cannot remove it.
It is most often found in children.
Reading research about it
Some studies say DIPG, some say diffuse midline glioma, and they are not always about the same group of people. DIPG is the pontine kind. A study of midline gliomas may include tumors elsewhere.
What to ask your team
- Is the tumor in the pons, or another midline place?
- What is treatment meant to do?
- Are there trials open for this, and would we qualify?
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.