Astrocytomas: the clinical picture.

An astrocytoma is one of the most common brain tumors. Approximately 16,500 people will be diagnosed with brain cancer this year in the United States; of these, an estimated 13,000 will die. Astrocytomas originate from astrocytes in the central nervous system, and the maximum average life expectancy following an astrocytoma diagnosis is 18 months. Intracranial tumors often are devastating because of their growth and spread to vital centers, where they alter neurologic functions that make patients "people." Surgery, radiation, biotherapy, and chemotherapy are among the most common regimens used to treat these life-threatening intracranial tumors. Nurses caring for these patients play a vital role in providing pertinent interventions, emotional support, and end-of-life care.