Glioblastoma or also known as glioblastoma multiforme is a type of malignant cancer that grows in the brain or spinal cord. This cancer can affect anyone, but is more common in adults and the elderly.
Glioblastoma is formed from astrocyte cells, which are cells that support the work of nerve cells. Glioblastoma generally grows in the cerebrum, specifically the frontal lobe (front) and temporal lobe (side). However, this type of brain cancer can also grow in the brain stem, cerebellum, and spinal cord.
Glioblastoma cancer cells can grow and spread very quickly in the sufferer's brain, because these cancer cells can provide their own blood supply. However, glioblastoma cancer cells very rarely spread to other parts of the body.
Glioblastoma Causes and Risk Factors
Until now, the cause of glioblastoma is not known with certainty. However, the growth of glioblastoma cancer cells is thought to be related to gene changes. In addition, there are several other factors that make a person more at risk of suffering from glioblastoma, namely:
- Male gender
- Age over 50 years old
- Caucasian and Asian races
Symptoms of Glioblastoma
Because glioblastomas can grow and spread quickly, the first symptoms that sufferers feel are usually caused by pressure on the brain. Symptoms can also vary, depending on where the cancer cells grow, including:
- Prolonged headache
- Seizures
- Vomiting, especially in the morning
- Difficulty thinking
- Difficulty speaking
- Mood swings
- Personality changes
- Double or blurred vision
- Memory loss (amnesia)
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
- muscle weakness
Glioblastoma Treatment
When someone experiences the above complaints, the doctor will first review more deeply about their symptoms and medical history. From here, the doctor will estimate the cause of the symptoms and confirm it with a series of examinations, ranging from neurological examinations, imaging tests with CT scans or MRIs, to biopsies.
After that, the doctor can only diagnose whether the patient really has glioblastoma or not. If the diagnosis is glioblastoma, several treatments may be recommended, including:
- Surgery, to remove as many cancer cells as possible
- Radiotherapy, to kill any remaining cancer cells
- Chemotherapy, which is given at the same time as radiotherapy or after
In addition, other drugs that may be prescribed for people with glioblastoma are:
- Anticonvulsants, to reduce pain and the risk of seizures due to cancer
- Corticosteroids, to reduce brain swelling
Glioblastoma is generally very difficult to treat, because this malignant cancer is shaped like a finger that is difficult to remove during surgery. In addition, this cancer also consists of various types of malignant cells, and the treatment given is usually only effective on certain types of cells.
Therefore, the main goal of glioblastoma treatment is to slow and control the growth of cancer cells, not cure it. In addition, treatment is also carried out to help relieve symptoms, so that people with glioblastoma can live more comfortably.
Glioblastoma is a malignant cancer that can spread quickly. The more it spreads, the more difficult it is to treat. Therefore, the earlier diagnosis of glioblastoma will be better for the sufferer.
If you experience symptoms similar to those of glioblastoma, consult your doctor immediately, so that you can quickly find out what condition you are experiencing. That way, you can receive the right care and treatment as soon as possible.