FAQ GLIOBLASTOMA

What is Glioblastoma:

 

Glioblastoma, a form of cancer originating from cell growth in the brain or spinal cord, progresses rapidly and can infiltrate and damage healthy tissues. Arising from astrocytes, which are cells that provide support to nerve cells, glioblastoma can develop at any age, though it is more common in older adults and men. Symptoms include worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting, vision impairment, and seizures.

Unfortunately, glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme, lacks a cure. Treatment aims to slow cancer growth and alleviate symptoms. Diagnosis involves neurological examinations to assess various functions and imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, and PET scans to determine the tumor's location and size. Biopsies may be conducted to analyze tissue samples for cancerous cells, aiding in treatment planning.

Treatment options typically encompass surgery, performed by a neurosurgeon to remove as much of the tumor as possible, often followed by radiation therapy to target remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy, administered orally or intravenously, may accompany radiation therapy or serve as a standalone treatment. In some cases, chemotherapy wafers may be implanted in the brain during surgery to gradually release medication. Tumor treating fields (TTF) therapy disrupts cancer cell multiplication using electrical fields, often in conjunction with chemotherapy. Targeted therapy involves medications that specifically target chemicals within cancer cells to induce cell death.

Participation in clinical trials offers access to experimental treatments, though potential side effects may not be fully understood. Supportive care, or palliative care, focuses on symptom management and pain relief, complementing other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
 

 

What is A Brian Tumor:

A brain tumor refers to an abnormal cluster of cells in the brain. These tumors can be categorized into two main types: cancerous, known as "malignant," and non-cancerous, known as "benign."

Primary brain tumors develop within the brain itself. Conversely, metastatic brain tumors, also known as "metastases," are cancerous growths that have migrated to the brain from another area of the body, such as the breast, lung, or colon.

 

What Are tumor grades and what do they mean?

Tumor grade serves as a classification system based on the appearance of tumor cells when examined under a microscope. This grading system provides insight into the tumor's potential for growth and spread.

Grade I (low-grade) tumors exhibit cells that closely resemble normal cells when viewed under a microscope. They typically grow and spread slowly compared to higher-grade tumors and rarely extend into nearby tissues. Complete surgical removal of Grade I brain tumors may lead to a cure.

Grade II (low-grade) tumors display cells that grow and spread at a slower rate than Grade III or IV tumors. While they may infiltrate nearby tissue and have a tendency to recur, some Grade II tumors can progress to a higher grade over time.

Grade III (high-grade) tumors exhibit cells with markedly abnormal characteristics under a microscope and grow more rapidly than Grade I and II tumors. They are prone to spreading into nearby tissues.

Grade IV (high-grade) tumors are characterized by cells that deviate significantly from normal cells under microscopic examination. These tumors grow and spread very quickly, often containing regions of dead cells

 

What are the types of Primary Brain Tumors?

Astrocytic Tumors originate from star-shaped cells known as astrocytes in the brain. Varieties include:

 

Glioblastoma (GBM): A highly aggressive Grade IV tumor, also termed glioblastoma multiforme, and the most common primary brain tumor in American adults.

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Brain Stem Glioma: Rare in adults, typically high-grade, and occurs in the brain stem, linking the brain and spinal cord.

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Pineal Astrocytic Tumor: Forms around the pineal gland, varying in grade and location within the brain.

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Pilocytic Astrocytoma: A slow-growing Grade I tumor of the brain or spinal cord, often curable.

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Diffuse Astrocytoma: Generally slow-growing Grade II tumor with potential to spread into nearby tissue.

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Anaplastic Astrocytoma: A fast-growing Grade III tumor with aggressive spreading into surrounding healthy tissue.

 

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