Shall we talk about Glioblastoma (GBM), a brain cancer?

Do you or someone in your family experience persistent headaches, vision changes, or memory loss? Sometimes we think these are normal and ignore them. But sometimes they can be serious warning signs from our bodies. Today we are going to talk about one such serious and fast-growing type of brain cancer. It is called glioblastoma, or GBM for short. Hearing this name can be scary, but it is very important to be aware of it.

Simply put, what is glioblastoma (GBM)?

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults. It begins in a type of cell called glial cells in our brain and spinal cord. Specifically, in a type of glial cell called astrocytes .

Now you might be wondering what these astrocytes are. Think of our nerve cells as the chief officers in our brain. And these astrocytes are like the support staff that helps those chief officers do their job, provides them with nourishment, and protects them. So, when these support cells turn into cancer cells, this condition called glioblastoma occurs.

The most dangerous thing about this cancer is that these cancer cells grow and multiply very quickly . Like a weed, these cells spread quickly and start damaging other healthy parts of the brain and spinal cord. But most of the time, this cancer rarely spreads outside the brain and spinal cord.

What are the symptoms of this disease?

Glioblastoma symptoms usually start to appear very quickly . This is because the tumor grows rapidly inside the brain, putting a lot of pressure on the brain. It also starts to destroy healthy brain tissue. Let's take a look at the symptoms.

What causes glioblastoma?

Researchers have not yet been able to find a specific cause for this, but, like other types of brain cancer, it is believed that the main cause is changes in our DNA.

Simply put, our genes are like an "instruction book" that tells the cells in our body how to behave and how to grow. If there is a change or mutation in this instruction book, that is, in the DNA, the instructions given to the cells are incorrect. Then those cells begin to divide and multiply uncontrollably, like crazy. That's how cancer cells develop.

Is this a hereditary disease?

This is a problem that many people have. Some genetic changes we inherit from our parents. But in the case of glioblastoma, the chances of inheritance are very low . Most of the time, these DNA changes happen randomly during our lifetime.

Who is most at risk of developing this disease?

Although glioblastoma can develop at any age, it is most common in people between the ages of 45 and 70. The average age at diagnosis is around 64. In addition, the following factors may increase your risk:

• Exposure to various chemicals: Long-term exposure to things like pesticides, petroleum, synthetic rubber, and vinyl chloride.
• Genetic conditions: Some hereditary conditions may increase the risk of this cancer. For example, conditions such as neurofibromatosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and Turcot syndrome .
• Previous radiation therapy to the head: If you have received radiation therapy to the head for another condition, your risk of GBM in the future may be slightly increased.

How does a doctor diagnose this disease?

If you have the symptoms mentioned above, the first thing you should do is see a doctor immediately . The doctor will first ask you about your symptoms and then perform a neurological exam . This will check your balance, reflexes, vision, and hearing.

If a brain tumor is suspected, your doctor will refer you for the following tests:

1. MRI or CT scan: These scans can take detailed images of the brain. They can help determine if there is a brain tumor, if so, where it is, and how big it is.

2. Biopsy: After a tumor is confirmed by a scan, this test is essential to know exactly whether it is cancerous or not, and what type it is. Here, a very small piece of tissue is surgically removed from the tumor and examined under a microscope to confirm whether there are cancer cells.

What are the treatments for glioblastoma?

This is a very difficult cancer to cure. However, there are various treatments that can control symptoms, prolong life, and improve the quality of life. The treatment plan is decided by a team of doctors. It depends on many factors, such as the size of the tumor, its location, the patient's age, and overall health.

The main treatment methods are a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

What can be said about life with this disease? (Prognosis)

This is a difficult topic to talk about. Glioblastoma is a very serious condition . If left untreated, the disease can lead to death within months of diagnosis.

However, today's advanced treatments allow patients to control their symptoms, live more comfortable lives, and even extend their lifespan somewhat.

On average, most people live between 12 and 18 months after being diagnosed with the disease. The five-year survival rate is a very low 5%. This means that only 5 out of 100 people who are diagnosed with the disease will survive 5 years. Although these statistics are heartbreaking, these are just averages. Each person's situation may vary. Also, clinical trials are constantly being conducted around the world to find new treatments for this disease. Therefore, it is important to have hope for the future.

When you should definitely see a doctor

If you continue to have one or more of the following symptoms, please do not ignore them. See a doctor immediately .

• If you have obvious memory problems.
• If a seizure occurs suddenly.
• If you experience unbearable headaches or vision problems that worsen day by day.
• If you are losing weight for no reason or have persistent nausea/vomiting.
• If there is a big change in your personality or behavior that is noticeable even to others.
• If you have gradually increasing weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking on one side of the body.