A glioma is a type of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor that arises from glial cells. The most common site of involvement of gliomas is the brain, but they can also affect the spinal cord or any other part of the CNS, such as the optic nerves.

Gliomas are named according to the specific type of cell they most resemble. The main types of gliomas are:

• ependymomas - ependymal cells
• astrocytomas - astrocytes
• oligodendrogliomas - oligodendrocytes
• Mixed gliomas, such as oligoastrocytomas, contain cells from different types of glia

EGF (Epidermal growth factor)

• urinary EGF, as a glial tumor marker, may be of practical value for diagnosing a malignant glioma and evaluating for the efficacy of chemo- and radiation therapy. PMID: 8360738