Understanding Glioblastoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Glioblastoma is a type of aggressive brain cancer that affects the star-shaped cells in the brain called astrocytes. It is the most common type of malignant brain tumor among adults, accounting for about half of all brain tumors in the United States. Each year, approximately 12,000 people are diagnosed with glioblastoma.

Symptoms of Glioblastoma

The symptoms of glioblastoma depend on the location of the tumor in the brain. As glioblastomas grow quickly, pressure on the brain usually causes the first symptoms, which may include:

Constant headaches
Seizures
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty thinking
Drowsiness
Memory loss
Changes in mood or personality
Double or blurred vision
Trouble speaking

Causes and Risk Factors of Glioblastoma

The exact causes of glioblastoma are not well understood, but certain factors may increase your risk of developing this type of brain cancer:

Prior radiation to the head
Exposure to chemicals and other cancer-causing agents
Age (more common in people over 50)
Gender (more common in men)
Race (more common among White people)
Hereditary disorders linked to genetic mutations (e.g., Turcot syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, Li-Fraumeni syndrome)

Diagnosing Glioblastoma

If you experience symptoms of glioblastoma, your doctor will likely refer you to a neurologist for a thorough medical history and neurological exam. Imaging tests such as MRI, CT scan, or PET scan may be used to identify the presence and size of a tumor. A biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is removed from the tumor for laboratory testing, can confirm the type of tumor and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options for Glioblastoma

While there is currently no cure for glioblastoma, treatment can help slow and control tumor growth, allowing patients to live as comfortably as possible. Treatment options may include:

Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible
Radiation therapy to kill leftover tumor cells and slow growth
Chemotherapy, such as temozolomide, carmustine, bevacizumab, and lomustine
Targeted therapy with medications that target specific proteins in the tumor
Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver medication directly to the tumor
Electric field therapy using the Optune device
Wafer therapy with implanted, biodegradable disks that release chemotherapy drugs
Nanoparticle therapy to carry chemotherapy directly into the tumor
Experimental treatments and clinical trials

Palliative care is also an essential aspect of treatment, focusing on managing symptoms, side effects, and emotional well-being to improve quality of life.

Glioblastoma Survival Rates and Coping Strategies

The survival rates for glioblastoma are generally low, with a five-year survival rate of around 5%. However, individual outcomes can vary based on factors such as age, tumor type, and overall health. As treatments continue to improve, newly diagnosed patients may have better outcomes.

Living with a brain tumor can be challenging for both patients and their loved ones. Support groups, counseling, and clinical trials can provide valuable resources and help in navigating this difficult journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the life expectancy with glioblastoma?

The average life expectancy for someone with glioblastoma is about 12 to 15 months with treatment and about 4 months without treatment.

Has anyone survived a glioblastoma?

There have been a few exceptional cases of people with glioblastoma surviving for many years after tumor removal, but this is not common.

Who is at most risk for glioblastoma?

People who have received ionizing radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing glioblastoma, especially if the treatment targeted the neck or head. Other risk factors are not well understood.

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