Do you have these symptoms? Let's learn about brain cancer called Glioblastoma (GBM)!

Sometimes we suddenly get a headache, or we feel a change in our eyesight, right? Maybe our memory is a little lost. These things can be normal, but sometimes they can be symptoms of a serious illness. Today we are going to talk about a serious type of brain cancer that is very important to be aware of.

What is Glioblastoma (GBM)?

Simply put, Glioblastoma (GBM) is a type of malignant brain cancer that is most common in adults. Imagine, there are special cells in our brain that help nerve cells function properly, called 'glial cells'. Among these glial cells, there is a type called 'astrocytes'. It is from these cells called astrocytes that this glioblastoma cancer begins.

These cancer cells grow and multiply very quickly. They spread like weeds in the brain. Although rare, sometimes this cancer can spread not only to other parts of the brain, but also to the spinal cord in our spine. In fact, this is a very serious cancer. Sometimes, it is so serious that it can lead to death in less than six months if not treated. That is why it is so important to be aware of this.

What are the symptoms of Glioblastoma (GBM)?

Now let's see what symptoms a person with Glioblastoma (GBM) may experience. These symptoms can vary from person to person, and also vary depending on the size of the tumor and its location in the brain.

• Blurred vision or double vision: You may suddenly feel like your vision is getting worse, or you may feel like you are seeing things in two.
• Frequent headaches: Not a regular headache, but a headache that is a bit severe, persistent, and sometimes worse in the morning.
• Anorexia: Loss of desire to eat.
• Memory loss: Forgetting things and having difficulty remembering names.
• Changes in behavior and personality: Changes such as not being the same as before, changing how you think, getting angry easily, or becoming very quiet.
• Loss of balance and numbness in the body: One arm or leg becomes numb, loses balance, and is unable to maintain proper balance while walking.
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may occur, especially in the morning.
• Seizures: A seizure may occur in a way that has never occurred before.
• Stumbling while speaking: Difficulty finding words, tongue-tied when speaking.
• Changes in body sensation, tingling: Some parts of the body may feel tingling or may feel like they are losing all sensation.

These symptoms often start to appear quickly because as the tumor grows inside the brain, it puts pressure on the brain and can destroy healthy brain tissue.

Why does Glioblastoma (GBM) develop?

A question that many people ask is, "Why do these diseases occur?" Researchers still don't know the exact cause of Glioblastoma (GBM). However, like other gliomas (tumors that develop in the brain and spinal cord), scientists believe that it is caused by mutations in our DNA.

You know, our genes contain DNA. These genes give us all the instructions on how the cells in our body should grow and divide. So, when there are certain changes (mutations) in this DNA, the cells start dividing rapidly and uncontrollably. That's how these cancer cells are formed.

Is this a hereditary disease?

Another important question is, "Is this a hereditary disease?" Sometimes we can inherit genetic variations from our parents. However, Glioblastoma (GBM) is very rare. Most of the time, these DNA changes (mutations) occur randomly during our lifetime, meaning they have no genetic link.

Who is at higher risk of developing Glioblastoma (GBM)?

Although anyone can develop this disease, some people are at higher risk.

• Age: Glioblastoma (GBM) most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 45 and 70. The average age at diagnosis is about 64 years.
• Exposure to certain chemicals: For example, long-term exposure to things like pesticides, petroleum, synthetic rubber, and vinyl chloride can be a risk.
• Certain genetic, tumor-causing conditions: People with genetic conditions such as `(Neurofibromatosis)`, `(Li-Fraumeni syndrome)`, and `(Turcot syndrome)` are at increased risk of developing this cancer.
• If you have previously received radiation therapy to the head: Having received radiation therapy to the head for another reason is also a risk factor.

Possible complications of Glioblastoma (GBM)

Glioblastoma (GBM) and its treatments can have various effects on brain function.

• Changes in mood and memory problems may occur.
• Many people with glioblastoma (GBM) eventually have to stop doing things like working and driving.
• Maybe full-time care is needed.
• These changes can lead to conditions like anxiety disorders or depression. Therefore, it is important to take care of your mental health.

How do doctors diagnose Glioblastoma (GBM)?

Okay, now let's see how a doctor diagnoses Glioblastoma (GBM).

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will first listen carefully to your symptoms and perform a neurological exam. This means checking your vision, hearing, balance, and reflexes.

If a brain tumor is suspected, the following tests may be performed:

• An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan or a CT (Computed Tomography) scan: These take detailed pictures of the brain and look at things like whether there are tumors, how big they are, and where they are in the brain.
• Biopsy: This is the definitive test to diagnose the disease. In this, a small sample of the tumor is surgically removed and examined under a microscope to determine if there are cancer cells and what type of cancer it is.

Grades of Glioblastoma (GBM)

Doctors classify brain tumors based on their behavior, using a grading system from I (one) to IV (four).

• Grade I tumors are slow-growing and the least aggressive.
• Grade IV tumors are the fastest growing and most aggressive .
• Glioblastoma (GBM) tumors are a very aggressive type of tumor that belongs to the fourth grade (Grade IV).

Glioblastoma (GBM) can be primary or secondary:

• Primary GBM: These arise directly from glial cells, meaning they are new and aggressive.
• Secondary GBM: These arise from previously low-grade (for example, Grade I or II) glial tumors that, over time, transform into more aggressive Glioblastoma (GBM).

How is Glioblastoma (GBM) treated?

Now let's see what treatments are available for this. Glioblastoma (GBM) is actually a disease that is difficult to completely cure. However, there are treatments that can help control symptoms, extend life a little, and improve the quality of life. The treatment plan varies from patient to patient and is decided by a team of doctors.

The main treatment methods are:

• Surgery: Removing as much of the tumor as possible. Sometimes it may be difficult to remove the entire tumor without damaging the brain. This type of surgery is also called a ``Craniotomy``.
• Radiation therapy: X-rays are used to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery. You may need up to 30 treatments daily for about six weeks.
• IMRT (Intensity-modulated radiation therapy): This is a specialized method that targets radiation only to the tumor, minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife): This also uses high-energy beams to target the tumor, minimizing damage to healthy tissue. This is often used if GBM recurs after IMRT.
• Chemotherapy: Medicines are given to kill cancer cells. These medicines travel through the body's bloodstream and attack cancer cells. They are often given together with radiation therapy and then continued.
• Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT): A method that uses laser energy to "burn" and destroy the tumor. This is sometimes used.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy targets specific cellular changes that help cancer grow. This can be used as an alternative to chemotherapy or in combination with it.
• Tumor treatment fields (TTF): A method of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells by sending low-intensity electric fields to the tumor through electrodes attached to the scalp. This is used after chemo-radiation therapy.
• Immunotherapy: This involves using your body's own immune system to fight GBM cells. Although this is still an experimental treatment, there is hope.
• Palliative care: This involves relieving symptoms, reducing pain, and providing emotional comfort. It can be provided at any stage of treatment.

There is no permanent cure for Glioblastoma (GBM) yet. However, these treatments can provide relief and help prolong life expectancy for the patient.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have one or more of these symptoms, please do not ignore them. You should definitely see a doctor as soon as possible.

• Memory problems, especially if they get worse over time.
• The fit is called ``Seizures``.
• Severe headaches, especially in the morning, that are not relieved by ordinary painkillers.
• Eye problems, double vision, blurred vision.
• Losing weight for no reason, or having constant nausea and vomiting.
• A clear difference in traits and personality.
• Gradually increasing weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.

If you have these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean you have Glioblastoma (GBM). However, it's best to see a doctor to find out the cause.

Can Glioblastoma (GBM) be prevented?

Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent the genetic mutations that cause Glioblastoma (GBM), as these often occur randomly.

However, if the disease is diagnosed early and treatment begins, the rate of tumor spread can be slowed and symptoms can be controlled.

If someone in your family has had brain tumors, meaning you think there is a hereditary risk, you may want to consider genetic testing. It is important to talk to a doctor or genetic counselor about it and learn the pros and cons.

Glioblastoma (GBM) Disease Prognosis

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a very aggressive cancer, and the prognosis is not very good. If left untreated, the disease can lead to death within a short time of diagnosis.

However, current treatments can help reduce symptoms, provide relief to the patient, and perhaps even extend life expectancy.

• Clinical trials are ongoing to find new treatments. These may lead to a new treatment that is right for you.
• Therapies that target specific cancer cell genes are yielding good results.
• Researchers are also exploring ways to deliver chemotherapy directly to the brain tumor.
• Typically, most people live between 12 and 18 months after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma (GBM).
• The five-year survival rate for glioblastoma (GBM) is about 5% . This means that about 5 out of 100 people with GBM are still alive five years after diagnosis.

Finding out you have glioblastoma (GBM) can be a difficult decision to make. The tumor grows quickly, and treatment can be challenging. However, researchers are continuing to find new treatments for GBM. Current treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor can guide you through your next steps and help you get the care and support you need.

The most important things to keep in mind (Take-Home Message)

So, while Glioblastoma (GBM) is a serious condition, it is important to be aware of it and seek medical advice as soon as symptoms appear. The earlier it is detected, the better the treatment outcomes.

Always keep your hopes up for new treatments and clinical trials. Medical science is advancing day by day.

If this happens to you or someone you know, remember that you are not alone. The support and love of doctors, nurses, family, and friends is invaluable at this time. Staying mentally strong is also a great strength to face this challenge.

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