What is DMG?
Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) is a type of brain tumor that comes from glial cells. This is also known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). Normally glial cells surround, protect, and support other cells in the brain. But in a tumor, they continue to grow without stopping. They eventually compress and hurt other parts of the brain.
DMG was formerly classified as a tumor in the pons, part of the brainstem. It may also be present in other locations of the brain such as the thalamus, spinal cord and cerebellum. These parts of the brain control vital functions such as swallowing, balance, eye movements, sensation, and the passing of information from the brain to the rest of the body, controlling movements in the arms and legs.
DMG occurs most often in elementary school-aged children, but it can affect children of any age. About 200 to 300 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with DMG each year. Nearly 800 people are diagnosed with DMG each year, most are under the age of 15.
