Glioblastoma, also known as Glioblastoma multiforme, is a grade 4 type of brain tumor that is almost always fatal. It is an aggressive tumor that involves the glial cells of the brain. According to the International Radiosurgery Association, glioblastoma tumors comprise 23 percent of the brain tumors in the United States and predominantly occur in adults ages 45 to 74.
Causes
The exact causes of Glioblastoma are still unknown. In general, tumors are abnormal growths, or mutations, of brain cells. However, it remains a mystery how these abnormalities occur. Currently, there are only theories and speculation as to what causes these tumors. Some of these causal theories attribute tumors to genetic mutations, viral infections or exposure to highly toxic chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Glioblastoma are highly dependent on the location of the tumor in the brain. In many cases, the symptoms are not visible until the tumor becomes large. The symptoms include headache, vomiting, nausea, seizure and hemiparesis, or weakness on one side of the body. The most important and distinctive feature is a reduction in memory and neurological controls. It can lead to gradual loss of movements of limbs, imbalance and loss of vision, hearing or speech.
Complications
Depending on the part of the brain where the tumor is, there can be several complications in the patient. It leads to brain edema, brain herniation,and the inability to see, hear, swallow or speak. Other complications include heart failure and coma. Complications can also arise from the chemotherapy and radiation treatments, such as severe weight loss.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a brain tumor usually requires brain scans and biopsy. It's done in a step by step procedure, wherein, first a neurological examination is carried out. This examination checks the nervous system of the patient as well as the patient's physical and mental alertness. If any abnormalities are detected during the neurological tests, a brain scan is taken. Scans are done by using computer technology, to take images of the internal structure of the brain from many angles and views. Various types of brain scans include MRIs, CT scan and PET scan.
If a tumor is detected, a biopsy is done. A biopsy can be done in two ways. An open biopsy is performed during a craniotomy. A bone of the skull is removed, the tumor is either partially or completely removed and the bone set back in place. In case the tumor is at an inaccessible location, a closed or needle biopsy is carried out. In a closed biopsy, a needle is inserted through a hole drilled in the skull and a sample of the tumor is taken for pathological analysis to determine the type of tumor.
Lifestyle Changes
Fatigue, sleep disorder, cancer-related pain, unintentional weight loss and psychological stress are a few of the issues that Glioblastoma patients face every day. Patients should ensure that they get enough sleep because it is an important factor in helping them cope with the physical and mental stress. A healthy diet and exercise are essential. Positive thinking and supportive caregivers are also important. There should be no intake of alcohol, and the patient should avoid active as well as passive smoking.
