By Staff Writer Last Updated Jun 24, 2020
Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer of the brain. It is a very fast-growing cancer that spreads quickly. Glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain tumor in adults.
Who is at Risk of Developing a Glioblastoma?
Brain cancers are very rare. Glioblastomas can occur at any age, although they are seen more in older adults. Men are more likely to develop them than women. Currently, there is not a cure for glioblastomas, but there are several treatment options available to help ease the symptoms of the disease.
Symptoms of Glioblastomas
Because glioblastomas develop in the central nervous system, usually in the cerebellum in adults, pressure on the brain is often the first symptom. Glioblastomas make their own blood supply, which helps them grow and invade healthy brain tissue quickly. This causes other symptoms to arise, such as constant headaches, seizures, vomiting, trouble concentrating, double or blurry vision and trouble speaking. Call your doctor immediately if these symptoms describe your circumstances. The earlier the glioblastoma is caught, the better your chance at survival.
How are Glioblastomas Diagnosed?
A neurologist will discuss your health history with you and then run you through you a complete physical exam. During the neurological exam, your doctor will check your balance, vision, strength, coordination and reflexes. Your doctor can use this information to see if it presents any red flags and, if a glioblastoma is suspected, he or she can start to pin down which part of the brain is affected by a tumor.
Imaging tests will then be ordered to help your physician better determine the location and size of the tumor. The imaging tests could be an MRI, CT scan, PET scan or a combination thereof. A biopsy of the suspicious tissue will tell your doctor what type of cells make up the tumor and their level of aggressiveness. This information helps your doctor develop a specialized treatment plan.
Treatment
The goal of treatment for glioblastoma is to slow the growth of the tumor and to help you live as comfortably as possible. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drug therapies and tumor treating fields therapy. You might also benefit by participating in a clinical trial to try out new, experimental treatment options.