Brain Tumors – Gliomas in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Gliomas are one of the most common types of primary brain tumors seen in adults in West Michigan. If you or a loved one in Grand Rapids has been told you might have a glioma, understanding the basics can help you prepare for appointments with specialists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

What Are Gliomas?

Gliomas are brain tumors that start in glial cells – the “support” cells of the brain. Unlike neurons, glial cells do not carry electrical signals, but they:

  • Support and protect nerve cells
  • Help regulate blood flow in the brain
  • Produce insulating material (myelin) around nerve fibers
  • Help circulate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

There are three main types of glial cells:

  • Astrocytes – star-shaped cells that help regulate brain activity and control blood flow to brain tissue
  • Oligodendrocytes – cells that produce the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord
  • Ependymal cells – cells that line the fluid-filled spaces (ventricles) in the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord, helping circulate CSF

A glioma is any tumor that begins in these glial cells.

Why Gliomas Are Serious

If left untreated, gliomas can grow and press on nearby structures in the brain. Because the skull is a closed, rigid space, any extra mass increases pressure inside the skull (intracranial pressure).

This pressure can:

  • Squeeze delicate brain tissue against the skull
  • Disrupt normal brain function
  • Lead to permanent brain damage
  • Be life‑threatening if not treated

In Grand Rapids, patients with suspected brain tumors are often evaluated urgently in emergency departments at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids to prevent complications from rising brain pressure.

Symptoms of Gliomas

Symptoms depend on the size, grade (how aggressive the tumor is), and location in the brain. Common symptoms include:

  • Headaches (often worse in the morning or when lying flat)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Seizures
  • Changes in personality or behavior
  • Memory problems
  • Changes in speech or understanding language
  • Weakness or loss of feeling in an arm or leg
  • Walking or balance difficulties
  • Vision changes
  • Abnormal eye movements

Because many of these symptoms can mimic stroke or other neurological problems, residents in Grand Rapids should seek urgent care or go to a local emergency department if sudden or severe symptoms appear.

Types of Gliomas

Gliomas are named according to the type of glial cell they come from.

Astrocytomas

Astrocytomas start in astrocytes and:

  • Can occur anywhere in the brain
  • Make up about 25–30% of all gliomas
  • May be cystic (contain fluid-filled areas)

Astrocytomas range from slow-growing, low‑grade tumors to fast‑growing, highly malignant tumors like glioblastoma.

Oligodendrogliomas

Oligodendrogliomas start in oligodendrocytes, the cells that produce myelin. They:

  • Can occur anywhere in the brain where there is myelin
  • Are more common in men between 35 and 40 years of age
  • Tend to grow more slowly than some other gliomas but can still be serious

Ependymomas

Ependymomas begin in ependymal cells that line the ventricles and spinal canal. They:

  • Are often lower‑grade and may be benign
  • Can sometimes spread quickly along the pathways that carry cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
  • Are more common in adolescent males

Children and teens with suspected ependymomas in the Grand Rapids area are typically referred to pediatric neurosurgery and oncology services at regional centers affiliated with Spectrum Health or other West Michigan children’s hospitals.

How Gliomas Are Graded

Gliomas are graded based on how malignant (cancerous and aggressive) they look under a microscope. The World Health Organization (WHO) grading system is used by pathologists at major Grand Rapids hospitals.

Key features include:

  • Degree of differentiation – how abnormal the tumor cells look compared to normal brain cells
  • Cellularity / cell division – how many cells are actively dividing and how fast the tumor is growing
  • Vascular (endothelial) proliferation – whether the tumor is creating new blood vessels to feed itself
  • Necrosis – areas of dead tumor cells, indicating aggressive growth

Grade I Gliomas

  • Slow‑growing
  • Cells look relatively similar to normal cells
  • Little or no necrosis (cell death)
  • Little or no abnormal blood vessel growth
  • Often considered “benign” but can still cause symptoms by pressing on brain tissue

Grade II Gliomas

  • Still slow‑growing, but cells divide more rapidly than Grade I
  • No significant necrosis or vascular proliferation
  • Can remain stable for years but may eventually transform into higher‑grade tumors

Anaplastic (Grade III) Gliomas

  • More aggressive and clearly malignant
  • Arise from lower‑grade gliomas or appear as high‑grade tumors from the start
  • Show focal or diffuse areas of high cell division with many dividing nuclei
  • Higher risk of progression to Grade IV

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) – Grade IV

  • The most aggressive type of glioma
  • Shows high cell division, extensive vascular proliferation, and necrosis
  • Often has an average survival time of around 12 months, even with treatment
  • Requires rapid, coordinated care, which is available through multidisciplinary brain tumor programs in Grand Rapids

How Gliomas Are Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If a glioma is suspected, you may be referred to a neurologist or neurosurgeon at a local health system such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health. Diagnostic tests can include:

  • Physical and neurological examination – to check strength, reflexes, coordination, vision, and speech
  • Medical history – including onset and pattern of symptoms
  • CT scan of the brain – often done first in the emergency department
  • MRI scan of the brain – provides more detailed images and is the standard for brain tumor evaluation
  • Biopsy – a small sample of tumor tissue is taken, usually during surgery, and examined by a pathologist to confirm the exact type and grade of glioma

Treatment Options for Gliomas in Grand Rapids

Treatment is typically managed by a multidisciplinary team that may include neurosurgeons, neurologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and rehabilitation specialists. In West Michigan, these teams are often based at large centers like Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Most patients receive a combination of the following:

Surgery

The main surgical procedure for gliomas is a craniotomy:

  • A neurosurgeon makes an opening in the skull to access the brain
  • A biopsy is taken to confirm the diagnosis
  • As much of the tumor as safely possible is removed
  • The bone is then replaced, and the muscle and skin are closed

Surgery can:

  • Reduce pressure on the brain
  • Improve symptoms
  • Provide tissue for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning

Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy)

  • Uses precise doses of high‑energy radiation to target and destroy tumor cells
  • Often used after surgery to treat remaining tumor cells
  • May be the main treatment if surgery is not possible

Advanced radiation techniques used in Grand Rapids, such as intensity‑modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery, help focus treatment on the tumor while limiting damage to healthy brain tissue.

Chemotherapy

  • Uses cancer‑killing drugs (often pills or intravenous infusions)
  • Commonly used alongside radiation for higher‑grade gliomas, especially glioblastoma
  • May be used for recurrent or progressive tumors

In many brain tumor treatment plans, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are used in combination to improve outcomes.

When a Cure Is Not Possible

If a glioma is diagnosed at a late stage or is very aggressive, it may not be curable. In these cases, treatment focuses on palliative care – improving quality of life and controlling symptoms.

Palliative treatments may include:

  • Medications to relieve headache, pain, nausea, and vomiting
  • Anti‑seizure medications
  • Steroids to reduce brain swelling
  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
  • Emotional and spiritual support for patients and families

Grand Rapids residents can access palliative care services through local hospital systems and community hospice organizations, with additional support from the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids–area public health resources.

Local Considerations for Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Living in Grand Rapids and the broader West Michigan region can influence how patients manage brain tumor care:

  • Cold winters and icy conditions increase fall risk, especially for patients with weakness or balance problems from a brain tumor. Using assistive devices and arranging safe transportation to appointments is important.
  • Weather‑related travel issues (snow, ice, lake‑effect storms) may affect follow‑up visits for MRI scans, radiation, or chemotherapy at local centers; planning ahead with your care team is essential.
  • The aging population in Michigan means more adults are at risk for brain tumors and other neurological conditions, increasing the need for early evaluation of persistent headaches, seizures, or cognitive changes.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are experiencing symptoms that could suggest a brain tumor, contact:

  • Your primary care provider (GP/family doctor) – for initial evaluation and referral
  • Neurologist – for detailed assessment of brain and nerve function
  • Neurosurgeon – for surgical evaluation and treatment options

Local resources include:

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) – Brain and spine centers, neurosurgery, oncology
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – Comprehensive cancer and neurosurgical services
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health – Neurology and neurosurgery services
  • Mercy Health – Regional brain tumor and cancer care
  • Kent County Health Department – Public health information and support services
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – Assistance with access to care and support programs

If symptoms are sudden or severe (such as a first-time seizure, sudden weakness, or confusion), call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department in Grand Rapids.

Key Points About Gliomas

  • Gliomas are brain tumors that start in the brain’s supportive glial cells.
  • Oligodendrogliomas are most common in men between 35 and 40 years of age.
  • Ependymomas are more common in adolescent males.
  • Gliomas are graded from I to IV based on how aggressive they are; glioblastoma (Grade IV) is the most malignant.
  • Treatment usually combines surgery (craniotomy), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
  • When cure is not possible, care focuses on symptom relief and quality of life through palliative care.
  • Comprehensive brain tumor care is available through major health systems in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with support from local public health and community resources.