Know The Early Signs Of Glioblastoma - The Most Aggressive Brain Cancer

An aggressive malignant brain tumor is one that forms, grows in size, and then spreads rapidly. Glioblastoma is generally acknowledged to be the most aggressive form of primary brain cancer found in adults and sometimes children, even though there are well over a hundred distinct types of brain tumors. Recent years have seen a rise in awareness of this disease, although it is classified as an extremely rare form of cancer.

What is Glioblastoma?

In the brain's supportive tissue, there are small, star-shaped cells called astrocytes. Because astrocytes are nourished by a dense network of blood vessels, glioblastomas tend to grow very rapidly. It is the most aggressive and malignant type of grade IV brain tumor, and its roots can be traced back to astrocytes. What exactly is meant by the term "tumor grade 4"? A grading system from I to IV defines the rate of tumor growth; grade one indicates a slow growth rate and grade four indicates rapid growth. Glioblastomas not only fall under category 4, but they can also begin as grade IV tumors without evidence of previous lower-grade tumors.

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Where on the brain does the glioblastoma develop?

This particular form of cancer can manifest itself in any part of the brain or spinal cord. Glioblastomas can arise anywhere in the brain, but they do not typically spread beyond the brain. Nevertheless, it is most frequently observed in the frontal and temporal lobes of the cerebrum. Also, glioblastoma can occur at any age, but older adults are more likely to be affected.

What causes glioblastoma?

There is no clear understanding of what triggers the development of glioblastoma. However, many factors can contribute to developing glioblastomas. Some risk factors are: 

1. Prior ionizing radiation therapy to the head: This therapy uses high-energy waves/particles to destroy cancer cells but can also cause normal cells to be damaged and even lead to new cancer cells forming.

2. Exposure to chemicals: Those who work in synthetic rubber manufacturing or petroleum refining can be at risk. Also, exposure to vinyl chloride or pesticides can increase the risk.

Note:** Risk factors have not been proven to be the cause, so more research is required. There are many people diagnosed with glioblastoma who do not have any of these risk factors. In the same way, people with these risk factors may never develop glioblastoma. 

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Early signs of glioblastoma

Glioblastoma patients can exhibit either generalized or focal symptoms. Generalized symptoms are connected to all kinds of brain tumors. Some of these symptoms are headaches, seizures, feeling sick or throwing up, losing your memory, etc. Focal symptoms, on the other hand, depending on where the tumor is and how big it is. It is often the size and location of the tumor that determines the patient's signs and symptoms. For instance, if the tumor is located in the region of the brain responsible for language processing, the patient may have difficulty speaking or comprehending speech.The following is a list of some of the earliest symptoms of glioblastoma. Before going through it, it is important to keep in mind that having these symptoms does not always indicate that you have a brain tumor. However, you must discuss any symptoms with your physician because they may be an indicator of other health issues.

Headache

Glioblastoma patients often report experiencing headaches as one of their earliest symptoms. Nearly everyone has complained of having a headache at some point in their lives. However, headaches caused by glioblastoma are not the same as other types of headaches. 

• Standard headaches can usually be alleviated with over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin and ibuprofen. But not glioblastoma-related headaches.
• A glioblastoma headache usually begins within minutes of waking. 
• The pain is persistent and typically worsens when coughing, changing positions, or exercising.
• Nausea and vomiting may occur as a result of a severe headache. Unlike normal headaches, nausea and vomiting caused by glioblastoma can be worsened by lying down, bending over, or during bowel movements. 

Seizures

Seizures, particularly when they occur in a person who has never had seizures before, may indicate glioblastoma. It is found that the majority of glioblastoma patients suffer from seizures in the final stages of their illness.

Aphasia

Aphasia is a condition in which one is unable to comprehend or express oneself verbally. Having glioblastoma can make it difficult for a person to speak clearly or find the right words. Having difficulty communicating can lead to awkward situations and misunderstandings.

Mental, emotional, and personality changes

Glioblastoma frequently results in personality shifts and sudden mood swings. Confusion, alterations in one's thought process, or a decline in cognitive ability are also potential side effects of it. The loss of inhibitions and other behavioral changes are other possible side effects. This typically occurs when tumors exert pressure on the brain or cause brain swelling. Tumors in the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for regulating personality and behavior, can alter one's mood. Similarly, tumors in the temporal lobe, which governs a person's behavior and emotions, can cause an emotional shift. Tumors affecting the pituitary gland can also cause imbalances in hormone production, which in turn affect a person's mood.

Sensory changes

Glioblastoma can cause changes in hearing, smelling, or seeing, such as double or blurred vision. It may also affect one's sense of touch. People who have brain tumors may have a lessened capacity to feel hot or cold temperatures, as well as pressure, sharp edges, or even gentle touches. Some patients claimed to have urinary incontinence.

Loss of balance or coordination

Glioblastoma in or near the cranial nerves has the potential to cause problems with balance. The inability to walk, dizziness, clumsiness, and loss of coordination are all symptoms that can accompany balance problems.

How is glioblastoma diagnosed?

If the doctor doubts a brain tumor, you may be asked to undergo the following tests:

• An MRI or CT scan to detect brain tumors.
• A biopsy that examines tumor tissue for cancer cells.

Can glioblastoma be completely removed through surgery?

Sadly, there is no treatment for GBM. Treatments focus on slowing down its progression and alleviating the symptoms. There are "tentacles" that extend out from the main tumor mass of glioblastoma. It is impossible to see these tentacles, even with the most sophisticated imaging technologies available to us today. The result is that invisible cancer cells remain in the brain even after the glioblastoma has been surgically removed.

Treatment for Glioblastoma

Surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, is currently considered to be the most effective treatment for glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma  treatments include:

• Radiation therapy
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
• Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted Drug Therapy
• Tumor Treatment Fields (TTF)

Conclusion

Glioblastoma is a rare brain tumor. Although it is currently untreatable, there are still ways to control it. The good news is that it's not genetic. A diagnosis of glioblastoma does not mean that your children or siblings are more likely to develop the disease.