Optic glioma

Alternative names:

glioma - optic

Definition:

A mass created by growth of abnormal cells, or uncontrolled proliferation of cells, in the optic nerve.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Optic glioma is classified as an astrocytoma. Optic gliomas cause symptoms by invasion (pressure) and displacement (destruction) of normal optic nerve tissue. They may result in progressive loss of vision in one or both eyes. The cause of optic glioma is unknown. Tumors may occur at any age. Optic glioma and other astrocytomas are rare (however, astrocytomas in general are the most common primary brain tumors in adults). There is a strong association between optic glioma and neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1).