Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a type of malignant brain tumor typically found in the cerebral hemispheres, but can be found anywhere in the brain or spinal cord. These tumors are highly malignant meaning a large number of cells reproduce at any given time. There are two main types: primary, or de novo meaning the tumors make themselves known quickly and are extremely aggressive, and secondary meaning the tumors have a slower growth history but are equally aggressive . Secondary tumors are usually found in middle aged people. The prognosis for GBM is often reported in years of survival due to the fatal nature of the disease.
In order to better understand GBM, one must understand the anatomy of the tumor. Glioblastoma is a form of glioma, …show more content…
Since the tumor does originate in the astrocytes, glioblastoma multiforme is the highest grade of astrocytic tumors, graded by the World Health Organization, meaning it is the most cancerous and aggressive (Hou 1). This is due in part to the tumors inevitable recurrence and its heterogeneity. Glioblastoma multiforme is known for its intratumor heterogeneity;this is when a tumor is composed of different malignant tumor cell (Kiesler 1). This makes the cancer extremely hard to treat given that one area of the tumor may require an entirely different treatment technique. While GBN makes up 15 to 20% of all brain tumors, little to no causational factors are known, nor any definitive answers as to who is most at risk (Hou 1). The mean age of occurrence is mid-60s, but GBM may occur at any age; also, incidents are slightly higher in men and caucasians relative to other ethnicities. Glioblastoma multiforme could happen to anyone, but risk factors are increased in some highly-penetrant genetic diseases. A penetrant disease is …show more content…
Patients most experience intracranial pressure, seizures, and nausea (“Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment and Symptoms | CTCA.”). Headaches are nonspecific and indistinguishable from tension headache, but as the tumor enlarges, it may have features of increased intracranial pressure due to the increase of mass in the cranium. Depending on the tumor location, seizures may be simple partial, complex partial, or generalized.These are the most common symptoms, and can be attributed to many conditions,so it is necessary to talk to a professional. Depending on where the tumor is located and the rate of growth the patient may suffer from focal neurological findings. These are often called focal neurological deficits, and are deficits in the nerve, spinal cord, or brain functions (Campellone 2). Unlike non focal defects, focal defects affect a specific location, such as the left side of the face, or even a small area such as the tongue. Speech, vision, and hearing problems are also considered focal neurological deficits (Campellone 2). These damages are caused by anything that damages or disrupts any part of the nervous system can cause a focal neurologic deficit. In conclusion the symptoms commonly attributed with glioblastoma are not necessarily isolated to this one disease and it is best to consult your
In order to better understand GBM, one must understand the anatomy of the tumor. Glioblastoma is a form of glioma, …show more content…
Since the tumor does originate in the astrocytes, glioblastoma multiforme is the highest grade of astrocytic tumors, graded by the World Health Organization, meaning it is the most cancerous and aggressive (Hou 1). This is due in part to the tumors inevitable recurrence and its heterogeneity. Glioblastoma multiforme is known for its intratumor heterogeneity;this is when a tumor is composed of different malignant tumor cell (Kiesler 1). This makes the cancer extremely hard to treat given that one area of the tumor may require an entirely different treatment technique. While GBN makes up 15 to 20% of all brain tumors, little to no causational factors are known, nor any definitive answers as to who is most at risk (Hou 1). The mean age of occurrence is mid-60s, but GBM may occur at any age; also, incidents are slightly higher in men and caucasians relative to other ethnicities. Glioblastoma multiforme could happen to anyone, but risk factors are increased in some highly-penetrant genetic diseases. A penetrant disease is …show more content…
Patients most experience intracranial pressure, seizures, and nausea (“Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment and Symptoms | CTCA.”). Headaches are nonspecific and indistinguishable from tension headache, but as the tumor enlarges, it may have features of increased intracranial pressure due to the increase of mass in the cranium. Depending on the tumor location, seizures may be simple partial, complex partial, or generalized.These are the most common symptoms, and can be attributed to many conditions,so it is necessary to talk to a professional. Depending on where the tumor is located and the rate of growth the patient may suffer from focal neurological findings. These are often called focal neurological deficits, and are deficits in the nerve, spinal cord, or brain functions (Campellone 2). Unlike non focal defects, focal defects affect a specific location, such as the left side of the face, or even a small area such as the tongue. Speech, vision, and hearing problems are also considered focal neurological deficits (Campellone 2). These damages are caused by anything that damages or disrupts any part of the nervous system can cause a focal neurologic deficit. In conclusion the symptoms commonly attributed with glioblastoma are not necessarily isolated to this one disease and it is best to consult your