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GLIOBLASTOMA

Overview & Facts

Glioblastoma is a common form of brain cancer that affects mostly adults. This type of cancer is usually aggressive and can spread to the other parts of the body quickly. There is actually no cure for glioblastoma but there are many treatments can help ease its symptoms.

Glioblastoma is a type of brain cancer that starts from the supportive tissues of the brain which are made up of cells called astrocytes. It can start from any lobe of the brain but it is more common on the frontal and temporal parts of the brain.

Types & Symptoms

Types

There are many types of gliomas. These may include the following:

  • Astrocytomas
  • Ependymomas
  • Oligodendrogliomas

 

Symptoms

Glioblastoma symptoms depend on the size, rate of growth and location of the tumor. These symptoms include the following:

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Confusion or a decline in brain function
  • Memory loss
  • Personality changes or irritability
  • Difficulty with balance
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision or loss of peripheral vision
  • Speech difficulties
  • Seizures, especially in someone without a history of seizures

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

Glioblastoma may be diagnosed by the following tests and procedures:

  • Neurological exam
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • CT scan
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)
  • Biopsy

 

MEDICATIONS/TREATMENT

Glioblastoma can be treated by the following procedures:

  • Surgery to remove the glioblastoma
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Tumor treating fields (TTF) therapy
  • Targeted drug therapy such as Bevacizumab (Avastin)
  • Supportive (palliative) care

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