Gliomas arise from the brain tissue. There are many different types, but the most common are astrocytomas. This includes the malignant tumor, glioblastoma multiforme.

Treatment usually involves surgery. This may be a biopsy or tumor resection. In many cases, this is followed by chemotherapy and possibly some form of radiation therapy. A newer treatment involves implantation of a specialized reservoir that is filled with a tumor-fighting substance.