Information on a Grade 4 Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is a form of astrocytoma, a malignant tumor arising from neural cells called astrocytes. Glioblastomas are by nature regarded as grade four, as they are the fastest-growing type of astrocytoma. Treatment focuses on prolonging life rather than achieving a cure.

Symptoms

• According to American Cancer Society guidelines, symptoms of glioblastoma may include headaches, nausea or personality changes. These general symptoms are often the result of pressure caused by the growing tumor.

Diagnosis

• Glioblastomas are diagnosed through a combination of imaging studies and biopsy, or tissue sampling. The National Cancer Institute notes that magnetic resonance imaging scans are the most effective in finding tumors, which are then biopsied to determine the type and aggressiveness of the cancer.

Treatment

• American Cancer Society guidelines state that standard treatment for glioblastoma consists of surgically removing as much of the tumor as possible, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Other treatments deal with symptoms caused by the disease, such as anticonvulsants to control seizures, and corticosteroids to reduce swelling.

Prognosis

• Studies of long-term survival rates indicate that the prognosis for glioblastomas is typically poor. While aggressive surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy may achieve remission, most tumors reoccur within one year of treatment. Studies cited by the American Cancer Society and the National Institutes of Health indicate that only half of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma live longer than one year after diagnosis.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors for glioblastomas include radiation exposure and certain genetic disorders. According to the American Cancer Society, environmental and lifestyle factors such as cell phone use, exposure to electromagnetic fields, and aspartame (a sugar substitute) use have been suggested as potential risk factors, but clear links between these and brain cancers have not been proven.