Glioblastomas are an aggressive yet common form of brain cancer. These tumours can spread rapidly and are associated with increasingly debilitating health effects. There is no cure for glioblastoma, but treatment and palliative care can relieve symptoms experienced by patients.
It’s not entirely clear what causes glioblastomas, but certain risk factors may increase a person’s chance of developing this type of brain tumour. For instance, people who’ve previously received radiation therapy focused on the head have a higher risk. Also, glioblastomas occur more frequently in older adults, typically aged 50 and above. Certain hereditary conditions, including Von Recklinghausen disease and Lynch syndrome, can also increase your risk.
The majority of glioblastomas are primary, which tend to be extremely aggressive when it comes to progression. There are also secondary glioblastomas, which result from another type of brain tumour. The outlook for secondary glioblastomas is usually not as poor as it is with primary types.
Both primary and secondary glioblastomas can cause the following symptoms:
Symptoms can vary according to where the tumour develops within the brain.
Patients with glioblastomas can be treated with medication, radiation therapy, and surgery. Medication includes chemotherapy, which targets and kills cancerous cells in the body. Radiation therapy has a similar effect, as it can stop tumours from getting larger and spreading. Surgery can be used to remove tumours affecting the brain, but it may not be effective with glioblastomas, as it can be challenging to remove all cancerous tissues.
In some cases, patients will receive a combination of treatments. Patients with glioblastomas will also need support as the condition progresses. This support is essential for the completion of daily living activities, but it can also make a person more comfortable. In this case, doctors may prescribe medications to alleviate pain and increase comfort.