Glioblastoma

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What is Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma, also called Grade IV astrocytoma, is a type of brain cancer. Glioblastoma tumors are made up of an overgrowth of normal brain cells. This type of cancer can grow quickly.

What are the causes?

A tumor is formed when normal brain cells grow into a mass of tissue. What causes normal brain cells to grow into a mass of tissue is not known.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

  • Radiation exposure.
  • Family history of cancer syndrome, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Turcot syndrome.
  • Age. People between the ages of 45 and 70 are more likely to develop this tumor.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition may depend on the size and location of the tumor. Symptoms may include:

  • Headache, which may be worse in the morning.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Vision changes.
  • Seizures.
  • Not being able to walk.
  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or in an arm or leg.
  • Mood changes.
  • Problems with memory or thinking.
  • Drowsiness.

Symptoms are most commonly caused by increased pressure in the brain.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on a medical history and a physical exam. Brain imaging tests will also be done, such as a CT scan or MRI. A sample of the tumor will be taken and studied in a laboratory (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis.

How is this treated?

There are several treatment options for this condition. Often, a person will have more than one type of treatment. Treatment may include:

  • Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
  • High-energy rays (radiation therapy) to help shrink or kill the tumor.
  • Chemotherapy to shrink or kill the tumor. Because normal cells may also be killed, chemotherapy causes many side effects.
  • Targeted therapy. This uses substances that damage or kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
  • Steroid medicine to decrease brain swelling and improve symptoms.
  • New treatments through clinical trials.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Consider joining a support group.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Where to find more information

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Any of your symptoms come back.
  • You have diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
  • You cannot eat or drink what you need.
  • You feel weaker and more tired than usual.
  • You lose weight without trying.

Get help right away if:

  • Your diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain does not go away.
  • You have new symptoms, such as vision problems or trouble walking.
  • You have a seizure.
  • You have bleeding that does not stop.
  • You have trouble breathing.
  • You have a fever.

Summary

  • Glioblastoma, also called Grade IV astrocytoma, is a type of brain cancer. Glioblastoma tumors are made up of an overgrowth of normal brain cells. This type of cancer can grow quickly.
  • This condition is diagnosed based on a medical history and a physical exam. Brain imaging tests will also be done, such as a CT scan or MRI.
  • A sample of the tumor will be taken and studied in a laboratory (biopsy) to confirm the diagnosis.
  • Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor as well as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
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