What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Gangliocytoma and Ganglioglioma
• Gangliocytoma/Ganglioglioma
• Ganglion Cell Tumor

What is Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma? (Definition/Background Information)

• A Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma (GG) is a form of brain tumor. A brain tumor may be described as a mass of abnormally growing cells arising from the brain tissue (brain parenchyma and meninges) or the spinal cord (central spine). The brain along-with the spinal cord constitute the central nervous system (CNS) of the body
• Broadly, brain tumors are classified as benign (non-cancerous) and malignant. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread or metastasize to other regions of the body. They generally exhibit rapid growth and, in some cases, may present symptoms during the early stages of development
• The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies central nervous system tumors according to their grade and histological subtypes. A tumor subtype is determined by a pathologist after examining a tissue biopsy of the tumor under the microscope. This WHO classification system is used by healthcare professionals all over the world in diagnosing and treating these tumors
• Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma or Gangliocytoma and Ganglioglioma are well-differentiated neuroepithelial tumors of the brain. When the tumor consist of a proliferation of only ganglion cells, it is termed gangliocytoma. When the tumor consists of both ganglion cells and glial cells, it is called a ganglioglioma
• Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma tumors are benign and slow-growing that usually occur in children and young adults. A majority of the tumors are observed in the temporal lobe of the cerebral hemisphere. Per WHO, the tumor is part of a group designated as “neuronal and mixed neuronal glial tumors”
• The brain is made of two main cell types - the nerve cells (neurons) and glial cells (non-neuronal cells). The nerve cells communicate with each other and relay information (electric signals or nerve impulses) from the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to the CNS. The glial cells support the nerve cells, but do not take part in the transmission of electrical signals
• Gangliocytoma and Ganglioglioma are WHO grade I brain tumors, meaning they are designated as “low-grade”. Grade I tumors are the most benign of the tumors. They are slow-growing and are not known to infiltrate into the surrounding tissues. They offer a very high chance for surgery to be curative; and thus, have the best prognosis among all brain tumors with long-term survival being noted
• The cause of formation of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma is not well-established. It is reported that a combination of several factors may play a role in their formation, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle-related. The risk factors include the presence of certain genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome or Cowden syndrome
• The signs and symptoms of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma depends on the location of the tumor and may include seizures, headaches, and increased intracranial pressure. The tumor may be also associated with slurred speech, memory loss, and personality changes; complications may develop during/from the treatment too
• The treatments for Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma may primarily involve surgery and radiation therapy. The prognosis depend on a wide variety of factors, including the size of the tumor and overall health status of the individual. In a majority, the overall prognosis is excellent with complete surgical removal of the tumor, since it is a grade I tumor

Who gets Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma account for less than 2% of all brain tumors; although, 10% of the primary brain tumors are Gangliocytomas and Gangliogliomas
• The tumor is diagnosed in a wide age range of individuals, from between 2 months to 70 years. However, a vast majority are observed in children and young adults. The mean age is 8.5 years and median age 25 years
• Both males and females are affected. A slightly male preference is observed ranging from 11:10 up to 19:10 male-female ratio
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma? (Predisposing Factors)

The following predisposing factors are associated with Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma:

• Aggressive gangliocytomas are associated with the following conditions:
  • Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)
  • Turner syndrome
  • Cowden syndrome
• A family history of the above genetic condition may place one at a higher risk for tumor development
• A higher incidence of tumor cases are reported in young children and adolescents

In general, the following factors may increase one’s risk for brain tumors:

• Advancing age is an important risk factor; although, some tumors are common among children
• In general, males are at a higher risk for brain tumors than females
• Positive family history: It is reported that certain genetic (hereditary) factors are responsible for the formation of certain brain tumors. Such hereditary conditions include:
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome
  • Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
  • Tuberous sclerosis
  • Turcot syndrome
  • Von Hippel-Lindau disease
• Environmental factors such as ionized radiation exposure (both high-dose and low-dose)
• Individuals who have undergone radiation therapy for other cancers involving the head and neck region are at an increased risk
• Viral infections involving pathogens, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), have been implicated
• Exposure to certain chemicals, pesticides, or products, either at work or at home
• Some reports indicate that the use of mobile phones may increase one’s risk due to exposure to electromagnetic waves. However, the scientific research community is presently divided on this factor
• Head injuries
• History of seizures
• Hormonal factors: Studies have shown a correlation between hormones and some types of brain tumors
• Intake of N-nitroso compounds, either in one’s diet (such as cured meat) or via vitamin supplements may increase one’s risk

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma? (Etiology)

The exact cause of development of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma tumors is not well-understood. Research scientists believe that the cause may involve a combination of several factors including genetic, environmental, and occupational factors.

Molecular studies have provided the following observations:

• Between 20-60% of the tumors show BRAF V600E gene mutations
• The tumor does not show mutations on the IDH gene
• In over 30% of the gangliogliomas, chromosomal aberrations are noted including:
  • Gain of material on chromosome 7
  • Partial loss of material on chromosome 9q
• In 10% of the gangliogliomas:
  • Involvement of the CDKN2A (tumor suppressor) gene affecting the production of certain proteins is seen
  • Also, homozygous deletion (loss of both alleles) of chromosome 9p21 is noted
• Mutations correlating with the associated genetic disorder, if any present, may be identified

In general, it is known that tumors form when normal, healthy cells begin transforming into abnormal cells - these cancer cells grow and divide uncontrollably (and lose their ability to die), resulting in the formation of a mass or a tumor.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma?

The signs and symptoms of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma may be significantly different from one individual to another. It may be mild or severe, depending on several factors. The onset of symptoms and speed of progression of the tumor can vary. In many individuals, tumors that grow slowly and remain asymptomatic, are only diagnosed during certain radiological imaging studies of the head and neck region, which are performed for unrelated health conditions.

The signs and symptoms primarily depend on the location and size of the tumor. The tumor can occur anywhere in the brain, but over 70% involve the temporal lobe in the cerebral hemisphere. This is followed by the frontal, parietal and occipital lobes. Occasionally, the tumor may involve multiple lobes, in which case it is referred to as multilobar Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma tumors. The other locations include the cerebellum (in 15-17% of the cases), ventricles, brainstem, spinal cord, and extremely rarely, certain extra-axial sites, such as the optic chiasm or cerebellopontine angle.

The commonly observed signs and symptoms include:

• The most common symptom is epilepsy and seizures that is present in 50-90% of the cases
• Chronic headaches
• Muscle weakness; loss of strength in the arms of legs
• Increased intracranial pressure is observed in 40-50% of the cases, due to obstruction of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, since the ventricular system is affected. This may result in nausea, vomiting, headaches, and seizures
• In over 30% of the individuals, cerebellar signs are observed which include:
  • Impaired ability to perform certain repeating movements
  • Lack of coordinated muscle movements (ataxia)
  • Speech problems such as slurring
  • Repetitive and involuntary eye movements (nystagmus)
  • Poor muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Intention tremor
• In 12-15% of the individuals, focal neurologic deficit that involve a specific brain function is noted

Rarely, the following may be observed:

• If the cranial nerves are affected, it may result in cranial nerve palsy
• Mental impairment
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Changes in one’s behavior or personality changes (in about 1% to 7% of the cases)
• Numbness and tingling sensation
• Visual impairment such as blurred vision, double vision or poor eyesight
• Hearing impairment or hearing loss
• Insomnia or loss of sleep, or excessive sleepiness (usually during daytime)
• Loss of balance (vertigo)
• Dizziness and fainting

In case of spinal cord involvement, the following may be noted:

• Back pain and/or chest pain
• Pain in the arms and legs, depending on the nerves that are compressed by the tumor
• Severe cases may result in loss of bowel and bladder control

Large tumors can cause significant signs and symptoms. Most of the cases represent single tumors; but occasionally, multiple tumors can be detected growing simultaneously in the brain or spinal cord region, particularly in individuals with genetic disorders. The associated symptoms of the underlying condition, if any present, may be noted.

How is Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma Diagnosed?

A majority of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma tumors may remain undiagnosed for prolonged periods, if they are asymptomatic and generally slow-growing. The slow development of symptoms may contribute to a delayed detection and diagnosis of these tumors. The tumors are detected when there is a sudden worsening of symptoms prompting the healthcare provider to perform radiological studies of the brain and/or spinal cord.

The diagnosis of Gangliocytoma Gangliogliomas may involve the following tests and examinations:

• Complete physical examination and a thorough medical history
• Assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• Neurological, motor skills, and cognitive assessment:
  • Checking intellectual ability, memory, mental health and function, language skills, judgment and reasoning, coordination and balance, reflexes, sensory perceptions (space, sight, hearing, touch)
  • The healthcare provider/neurologist may use the Karnofsky Performance Scale in order to assess the neurological functioning of the individual’s central nervous system (CNS)
• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Electromyography with nerve conductivity tests
• Imaging studies that may be performed include:
  • X-ray of the head and neck region
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the head and neck region; CT scan with contrast agent
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the central nervous system; MRI with contrast agents such as gadolinium
  • Cerebral angiographic studies or MR angiography: An angiogram involves injecting dye into the bloodstream, which makes the blood vessels to appear visually on X-rays. The X-ray may show a tumor in the brain or the blood vessels leading into the tumor
  • Magnetic resonance spectroscopy: This radiological technique is used to study the chemical profile of the tumor. It is often performed with and compared to corresponding MRI scan images of the affected region
  • Positron emission tomography (PET scan): A PET scan is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that uses three-dimensional images to show how tissue and organs are functioning. It may be performed to detect any malignancy, and if there is a metastasis (spread) of the tumor to other regions
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis, where a spinal tap or lumbar puncture procedure may be performed: This diagnostic test is used to remove a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spaces in and around the brain and spinal cord. The sample is removed from the lower spinal cord using a thin needle, and it is then checked for the presence of cancer cells
• Molecular testing to identify genetic mutations, if necessary

Tissue biopsy: A biopsy of the affected region (brain or spinal cord) is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy sample under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy sample under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis.

There are two ways to perform a biopsy:

• First, a biopsy can be performed as part of a surgical procedure to remove the brain tumor
• Second, a stereotactic needle biopsy can be performed when the tumor is deep within the brain or located in a sensitive area. In this procedure, the surgeon drills a small hole (called a burr hole) into the skull. A thin needle, guided by CT or MRI scanning, is then inserted through the hole to help in the removal of tissue

A differential diagnosis to eliminate other conditions or tumor types may be considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis. 

Radiological differential diagnosis may include:

• Astrocytoma, when at the spinal cord
• Desmoplastic infantile astrocytoma (DIA)
• Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG)
• Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) 
• Ependymoma, when at the spinal cord
• Oligodendroglioma
• Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)

Pathological differential diagnosis may include:

• Desmoplastic infantile ganglioglioma (DIG)
• Dysplastic cerebellar gangliocytoma
• Hypothalamic hamartoma
• Infiltrating glioma
• Pilocytic astrocytoma
• Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA)
• Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SGCA)

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma?

The possible complications associated with Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma include:

• Emotional and mental stress for both the patient and the caretakers, due to the diagnosis and during treatment of a brain tumor
• Hydrocephalus: When the tumor obstructs the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, it can cause a condition known as hydrocephalus. This can result in lethargy, irritability, nausea and vomiting, loss of balance, seizures, urinary incontinence, and growth delays, among other symptoms
• Large undetected tumors can severely affect brain function and be disabling or even life-threatening, due to mass effect/compression of surrounding tissue
• In the brain, large tumors may also press against the skull (or other) bones causing it to expand, causing severe complications
• Trouble with concentration
• Severe loss of memory
• Dementia including personality changes causing a reduced quality of life
• Peritumoral brain edema (PTBE): Presence of fluid around the tumor region in the brain resulting in severe symptoms and complications
• Rarely, the low-grade tumors can transform into high-grade malignancies by undergoing anaplastic transformations. Such tumors are called anaplastic Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma tumors (grade III) that can present additional complications and treatment challenges
• Malignant transformations into the higher grade glioblastoma multiforme is also occasionally noted
• Complications due to an underlying genetic disorder, if any present

Complications may arise from surgery, radiation therapy, or other treatment modalities. These may lead to long-term side effects, particularly in children and older adults.

Surgical complications:

• Damage to the muscles, vital nerves, and blood vessels, during surgery to remove the tumor; injury to unaffected brain tissue during surgery
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication
• Sometimes, removing the tumor can worsen the signs and symptoms in some individuals
• Recurrence of the tumor after surgery may be observed

Chemotherapy side effects depend on the type of chemotherapy medication used and may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Increased risk for infections
• Easy bruising
• Infertility

Radiation therapy can cause short-term side effects. It depends on the type used and may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Dryness of mouth; loss of taste
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Skin color changes; usually darkening of skin on the face and neck may be noted
• Speech and hearing difficulties
• Memory issues
• Seizures

Long-term side effects of radiation therapy (seen after 6 months or beyond) may include loss of memory, impaired brain function, and appearance of symptoms that mimic stroke.

Radiation and chemotherapy may increase the chance of developing other brain and spinal cord tumors/cancers.

How is Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma Treated?

The treatment modality for Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma is chosen, depending on the size, location, and stage of the tumor, tumor growth rate, age and health status of the individual. Tumors that are small and slow-growing usually may be observed and no treatment necessitated, based on the healthcare provider’s assessment, specifically on a case-by-case basis. Often, a multidisciplinary team of specialists including neurologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapy experts, and other healthcare professionals are involved in managing the condition.

The treatment measures for Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma may include:

• Wait and watch approach by the healthcare provider:
  • Observation of the tumors is often recommended in individuals with small-sized tumors, slow-growing tumors, tumors with no significant signs and symptoms, elderly patients, individuals where treatment, such as surgery, may be too risky, and individuals, who do not prefer surgical treatment for a variety of reasons (opting out of surgery through personal preference)
  • Recurring brain scans may be taken to observe the rate of tumor growth; if the tumor is small and growing slowly, then there may be no need for invasive procedures
• Symptomatic treatment may involve the use of antiseizure medications, painkillers, steroids (to reduce inflammation), and administration of anti-depressants
• Placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt: It is an invasive procedure that involves the use of a medical device called a VP shunt. The device is placed in the ventricles of the brain to treat hydrocephalus, and thus helps relieve excess CSF pressure on the brain

Surgical treatment: Surgery to remove the entire tumor or just part of the tumor depends on several factors including the risk assessment by a neurosurgeon, with respect to the potential injury to nearby brain tissues. It is also considered based on the location, size, and overall health of the individual. A complete removal of the tumor can result in a cure in many patients. Although, in many cases, removal of the tumor offers a lot of surgical challenges to the healthcare providers, due to the complexity of the tumor site involved.

• Craniotomy: It is a surgical procedure wherein a tiny hole is created in the cranium to access and remove the tumor. The main goal of surgery is to remove as much tumor as possible without damaging the surrounding brain tissue
• In some individuals, the tumor is partially removed, so as not to cause brain damage, resulting in unwanted additional symptoms. A partial removal is usually considered in slow-growing grade I benign tumors
• Microsurgery: The surgery is performed using microsurgical techniques, which can help minimize damage to the accompanying nerve. Since the tumor mostly affects the covering around the nerves, it can be completely removed without affecting the nerve in most cases. The following techniques may be employed:
  • Subtotal removal; when the tumor is incompletely removed
  • Near total removal; when most of the tumor is removed and there is very little tumor remnants
  • Total tumor removal; when the tumor is removed completely
• In some cases, embolization of the tumor may be performed, in order to shrink the tumor size, before major invasive procedures are undertaken. In embolization, the blood supply to the tumor is cut-off, resulting in its shrinkage. This also helps reduce blood loss during a surgical resection
• Radiosurgery for individuals who cannot undergo surgery or have recurrent tumors
• Osteoplastic laminotomy: It is a minimally-invasive procedure to treat spinal cord tumors. The technique also helps minimize post-operative complications and provides increased spinal stability. If necessary, osteoplastic laminotomy may be followed up by a spinal column reconstruction procedure
• Laminectomy: An invasive procedure that is performed to relieve compression on the spinal cord or spinal nerves, caused by the tumors, by widening the spinal canal through removal of the laminae (part of the vertebra)
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals

Surgical procedures to remove brain tumors carry risks, including infection, possible damage to healthy brain tissue, swelling, or possible fluid build-up in the brain.

Radiation therapy: There are a variety of radiation therapy methods that can be used to treat the tumors. Radiation therapy is performed either after removal of the tumor (to destroy any remaining meningioma cells), or in individuals where surgical removal procedure is not an option. Radiation therapy is helpful to reduce the rate of recurrence. It is also recommended for individuals where the tumor is removed partially.

The types of radiation therapy include:

• Standard external radiation beam therapy using a beam of high-energy X-rays; it is the most common form of radiation therapy used to treat cancers
• 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, where 3-d images of the tumor are created using radiological imaging scans to help design appropriate radiation therapy beam size and angles
• Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT): It is a procedure that uses computer-controlled linear accelerators to deliver precise radiation to a malignant tumor
• Stereotactic radiosurgery using Gamma Knife or CyberKnife technique
• Proton radiation therapy: It is a form of external beam therapy using high-energy proton beams to destroy the tumor cells
• Fractionated radiation therapy: It is a good option for individuals whose tumors are too large for radiosurgery, or if the tumor is in a sensitive location. In this therapy, small doses of radiation are administered for a certain set period

Some individuals may experience a few side effects, while others may experience none. These may include fatigue, headaches, hair loss, and scalp irritation. Radiation therapy beams may affect the pituitary gland causing it to dysfunction (bringing about hormonal changes in the body).

Chemotherapy: The response of the tumor to chemotherapy is an important consideration while using this treatment modality. Chemotherapy may not be recommended as a treatment option for treating some tumors.

• Chemotherapy may be beneficial in individuals diagnosed with higher grade tumors. Whether to use chemotherapy as a treatment modality is determined by healthcare provider on case-by-case basis
• Chemotherapy may be administered for those tumors that cannot be effectively treated by surgery or radiation therapy. The administration of some drugs may slow the rate of growth of the tumor

The following chemotherapy agents and methods have been used in higher grade tumors with varying beneficial results:

• Immunotherapy to stimulate an affected individual’s immune system
• Somatostatin analogs which prevent the release of growth hormones
• Hydroxyurea, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitors, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors

There are side effects for chemotherapy, which depends upon the type and dose of drugs administered. The common chemotherapy side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, headache, fever, chills, and weakness.

Clinical trials: In advanced stages of tumor progression, there may be some newer treatment options, currently on clinical trials, which can be considered for some patients depending on their respective risk factors.

Regular observation and periodic checkups to monitor the condition is strongly recommended following treatment. In order to avoid a relapse, or be prepared for a recurrence, the entire diagnosis, treatment process, drugs administered, healthcare recommendations post-treatment, etc. should be well-documented and follow-up measures initiated.

How can Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma be Prevented?

Presently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent the formation of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma. However, if it is associated with a genetic disorder, the following points may be considered:

• Genetic counseling and testing: If there is a family history of the condition, then genetic counseling will help assess risks, before planning for a child
• Regular health check-ups might help those individuals with a history of the condition in the immediate family, in order to help diagnose the tumor early

In general, the factors that may help reduce the incidence of brain tumor may include:

• Reducing exposure to ionizing radiation
• Avoiding cigarette smoke inhalation
• Weight loss, in case one is obese or overweight; maintaining a good BMI
• Availing early treatment for infections
• Using safety gear including wearing helmets when playing sports or while riding two-wheelers
• Wearing seatbelts while driving automobiles

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), currently there is no standard testing protocols available for brain tumor.

Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations are mandatory. Often several years of active vigilance are crucial and necessary.

What is the Prognosis of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma may vary considerably from one individual to another and is dependent on a set of factors.

• The prognosis is generally favorable to excellent in individuals following surgery, since these are low-grade tumors, particularly in the absence of associated genetic conditions
• However, in case of malignant transformations to high-grade tumors, the prognosis can significantly worsen. It is reported that less than 5% of the tumors can become anaplastic Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma

In general, the prognosis may depend upon several factors, which include: 

• Tumor histology or grade of the tumor: The lower the grade, the better is the prognosis
• Age of the individual: Older individuals generally have poorer prognosis than younger individuals
• Overall health of the individual: Individuals with overall excellent health have better prognosis compared with those with poor health
• The size of the tumor: Individuals with small-sized tumors fare better than those with large-sized tumors
• Location of the tumor is an important prognostic factor: Tumors at certain sites involving the central nervous system are more difficult to surgically excise and remove. They can also cause considerable neurological damage at certain sites in the brain and/or spinal cord. Tumors located near vital structures of the brain have poor prognosis
• Tumors that are slow-growing have better prognosis than rapidly-growing tumors
• Presence of certain genetic abnormalities may result in a rapid progression of tumor growth and development
• Sporadic tumors have generally better prognosis than syndromic tumors; tumors in a background of genetic disorders/syndromes may have additional complications
• The ease of accessibility and surgical resectability of the tumor (meaning, if the primary tumor can be removed completely). This is an important prognostic factor
• Extent of residual tumor in the body following a surgical resection: A complete surgical excision with entire tumor removal presents the best outcome. In some cases, large portions of the tumor may be removed; or, only a small portion for tissue biopsy
• Individuals with bulky disease may have a poorer prognosis
• Involvement of other vital organs may complicate the condition
• Whether the tumor is occurring for the first time or is a recurrent tumor. Recurring tumors have worse prognosis compared to tumors that do not recur 
• Response to treatment and absence of post-operative complications: Tumors that respond to treatment have better prognosis compared to tumors that do not respond to treatment
• Functional neurologic status based on neurological evaluation of the patient: A higher score on the Karnofsky Performance Scale may indicate a more favorable outcome

An early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the tumor generally yields better outcomes than a late diagnosis and delayed treatment.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Gangliocytoma Ganglioglioma:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/