Glioblastoma: Let's be aware of a malignant brain tumor

Do you have unexplained headaches? Or have you ever had a seizure? Sometimes, these can be a sign of a serious condition inside the brain, even if we don't pay much attention to them. Today we're talking about one of the most serious of these conditions, a type of brain cancer that's most common in adults. This is glioblastoma.

Simply put, what is Glioblastoma?

Simply put, Glioblastoma is a very aggressive, fast-growing type of cancer that starts in the brain cells. It is the most common type of brain cancer in adults. The danger is that this tumor grows very quickly and can invade healthy brain tissue. Like a weed, this tumor creates its own blood supply, which gives it the energy to grow rapidly.

Despite much research, no cure has been found for this disease. However, there are treatments that can control the symptoms and extend life expectancy. Without treatment, life expectancy is usually as short as 4 months, and with treatment, life expectancy is usually as long as a year or a year and a half. That is the seriousness of this disease.

Difference between Astrocytoma and Glioblastoma

You may have also heard of astrocytoma. Both start in cells called astrocytes in the brain. These are like star-shaped helper cells that nourish the brain. Glioblastoma used to be considered a Grade 4 astrocytoma. That is, the most severe astrocytoma. But now scientists have discovered that some of the molecules found in glioblastoma are not found in astrocytoma. So it is now classified separately. However, we need to understand that these are both very serious types of brain cancer.

What are the symptoms of glioblastoma?

Symptoms can vary depending on where in the brain the tumor is located. However, because these tumors grow very quickly, the first symptoms are caused by the pressure they put on the brain.

The table below lists the most common symptoms.

What are the causes and risk factors for developing this disease?

In fact, experts still don't know exactly what causes glioblastoma. However, certain things may increase your risk of developing it.

• Age and gender: This disease is most common in people over the age of 50. The average age at diagnosis is about 64 years. It is also more common in men than women.
• Previous radiation treatment: If you have had radiation treatment to the head for another cancer or condition, your risk may be slightly increased.
• Hereditary diseases: Some rare genetic disorders can also increase this risk. For example:
• Turcot syndrome
• Neurofibromatosis type 1
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome

How is the diagnosis made?

If you have these symptoms, your doctor will refer you to a neurologist . He or she will listen to your symptoms and perform a neurological exam, which will check your vision, hearing, balance, and reflexes.

After that, they will order several tests to see if there is a tumor inside the brain.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan: This can take a very clear picture of the inside of the brain. It can show exactly where the tumor is and how big it is.
• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: This is also a method of taking a picture of the brain.
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan: This can also provide information about the functioning of the tumor.

Once these scans confirm the presence of a tumor, the next step is a biopsy. Here, a neurosurgeon performs surgery and takes a very small piece of tissue from the tumor and sends it to the laboratory. Only after that examination can it be determined exactly whether it is glioblastoma or another type, and what the most suitable treatment is for it.

What are the treatments for Glioblastoma?

As we've said before, there's no cure for this disease. However, treatments can control the growth of the tumor, reduce symptoms, and help the patient live as comfortably as possible. Usually, more than one treatment is used together.

1. Surgery

This is the first treatment. A neurosurgeon tries to remove as much of the tumor as possible. But because these tumors have grown into healthy brain tissue, it is very difficult to completely remove 100%.

2. Radiation Therapy

After surgery, this treatment is given to kill any remaining cancer cells. If the tumor is too large to be operated on or is in a dangerous location, radiation therapy may be given instead of surgery.

3. Chemotherapy

This involves giving drugs that kill cancer cells. The main drug used for glioblastoma is Temozolomide . This is often given along with radiation therapy. There are other types of drugs as well.

4. Other modern treatments

In addition to these traditional treatments, there are now several new treatment methods.

• Targeted Therapy: These drugs directly attack specific proteins in cancer cells.
• Electric Field Therapy: Electrodes are placed on the scalp and an electric field is used to stop cancer cells from dividing.
• Wafer Therapy: After surgery, a small, dissolvable disc containing a chemical medicine is placed in the area where the tumor was.

Living with this disease and support

Living with a serious illness like glioblastoma is a challenge for the patient, their family, and their friends. Along with the physical discomfort, it can be very stressful mentally. Therefore, it is very important to get psychological support.

• Counseling: There are specialized counseling services for cancer patients and their families. You can ask your doctor about this.
• Support Groups: Talking to others who have gone through similar experiences is a great strength. It's a great way to feel like you're not alone.
• Clinical Trials: Clinical trials are being conducted all over the world to find new treatments for this disease. You can also ask your oncologist about this.