Glioblastoma is one of the most common and aggressive brain tumors. It usually occurs in people over the age of 65, although it can occur in younger people. It is most often diagnosed in men. It may start suddenly or it can develop slowly over time. It can cause different symptoms depending on its location in the brain, but headaches are common. Other symptoms include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, changes in personality, weakness or loss of balance, and seizures.
Glioblastomas are a type of brain cancer, and they are almost always fatal. They are very difficult to treat, but researchers are constantly improving and developing new treatments.
The earliest symptoms of a glioblastoma are usually a headache that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medicines. It will get worse over time and might be aggravated by certain activities, such as lying down or leaning over. A MRI or CT scan can confirm the diagnosis.
Doctors have a system to group (classify) brain tumours into different groups and types. They also use a system to rate how likely it is that the tumour cells will grow and spread. Glioblastoma is always classified as grade 4 and is considered to be an extremely dangerous type of brain tumour.
Researchers are constantly searching for new ways to treat this deadly tumour, and it is important that you talk to your doctors about taking part in a clinical trial. A clinical trial is a study of the latest treatment methods. It might help you live longer, and it will give you a chance to try different medications that have not been widely used.
When you are treated for a glioblastoma, the most important first step is to remove as much of the tumour as possible. This is a delicate operation that requires a neurosurgeon to open the skull and carefully remove the tumour. It isn’t always possible to remove the whole tumour, but your surgeon will try to take away as much of it as they can.
Your doctors will also use radiation and chemotherapy to kill any remaining tumour cells and prevent them from growing. Chemotherapy is taken as a pill and is generally given each day alongside your radiation therapy. The standard chemo drug for glioblastoma is called Temozolomide (Temodar).
Some people with a glioblastoma have a genetic mutation in their DNA that makes the tumour cells more likely to grow and spread. A type of genetic test can look for this mutation and tell your doctor if you are at risk of getting the disease. It is also important to avoid smoking and exposure to UV rays, as both can increase your chances of getting this brain tumour.
