Glioblastoma Symptoms & Treatment
Glioblastoma is an aggressive malignant brain tumor that grows in the glial cells, affecting the nervous system. According to the National Brain Tumor Society, glioblastoma accounts for approximately 23 percent of all primary brain tumors diagnosed in the U.S. The prognosis for individuals with glioblastoma depends upon how early the tumor is detected and how quickly treatments begin.
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Physical Symptoms
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Persistent headaches are common with glioblastoma and may progress to involve seizures. Dizziness and clumsiness are also characteristic of glioblastomas. Depending on how large the tumor is and where it is located, individuals may also experience vision, speech and hearing loss as well as decreased motor skills.
Behavioral Symptoms
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Behavioral changes are a common symptom of brain tumors. This may include improper or irrational episodes atypical of the individual's personality or past behavior. Glioblastoma often causes memory loss, confusion and an inability to concentrate.
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Diagnosing Glioblastoma
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Glioblastomas and other brain tumors are diagnosed through a series of tests. A neurologist will examine an individual to determine motor skill, cognitive and nervous system responses. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are performed to positively identify the presence, location and size of the tumor. A biopsy is often performed to identify the type of tumor involved.
Risk Factors
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The exact cause of glioblastomas is uncertain, but some factors increase the possibility of developing a tumor. Glioblastoma is more common in men than women, and the chances of developing a tumor are highest between the ages of 45 and 55. The presence of other brain tumor types, currently or in the past, increases glioblastoma risk as well. Certain genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis and tuberous sclerosis are also risk factors.
Treatments
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Surgery is often the first step in treating glioblastoma. A surgeon will remove as much of the tumor as possible without compromising connected tissue. Due to glioblastoma's invasive nature, surgery will not remove the tumor completely. Radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments often follow surgery to both shrink the remaining tumor and prevent the growth from spreading further.
Prognosis
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The prognosis for survival beyond the five-year mark is poor, and the average survivability for people diagnosed with glioblastoma is one year. But early diagnosis and treatment often extend the quality and length of life for individuals suffering with glioblastoma. Due to the limited effectiveness of current treatments, clinical trials offering new therapies may be an alternative for individuals with a poor prognosis.
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