In our brains and spinal cords, different cells have different jobs. It is the job of glial cells to support the other cells. When a tumour is created in the glial cells it is called a glioma. There are different types of glial cells (supporting cells). The types include astrocyte cells, ependymal cells and oligodendrocyte cells. A mixed glioma then is a tumour that has been made from a mixture of the different types of glioma cells. This means that more than one type of glioma cell has divided uncontrollably to create a lump. Usually the mixed glioma is named after the types of cells that have divided. An epenyoma - astrotytoma therefore is a mixed glioma made from the astrocyte cells and ependymal cells.