Astrocytoma brain tumour, light micrograph. This cancer is in the temporal lobe of the brain. Astrocytoma is a cancer of astrocytes, a type of glial (supportive) cell common in the brain. As the cancer grows it puts pressure on other structures in the brain. This causes a variety of effects depending on the location of the cancer. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures and speech disorders. Treatment includes surgical removal, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the prognosis is poor.