The most malignant astrocytic tumor (WHO grade IV). It is composed of poorly differentiated neoplastic astrocytes and it is characterized by the presence of cellular polymorphism, nuclear atypia, brisk mitotic activity, vascular thrombosis, microvascular proliferation and necrosis. It typically affects adults and is preferentially located in the cerebral hemispheres. It may develop from diffuse astrocytoma WHO grade II or anaplastic astrocytoma (secondary glioblastoma, IDH-mutant), but more frequently, it manifests after a short clinical history de novo, without evidence of a less malignant precursor lesion (primary glioblastoma, IDH- wildtype)
Symptoms of Glioblastoma Multiforme
The following features are indicative of Glioblastoma Multiforme:
seizure
headaches
nausea
vomiting
memory loss
changes in personality
speech difficulty
drowsiness
It is possible that Glioblastoma Multiforme shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Glioblastoma Multiforme
The following are the most common causes of Glioblastoma Multiforme:
cause is unknown
Risk Factors for Glioblastoma Multiforme
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Glioblastoma Multiforme:
age between 60 and 80 years
exposure to radiation
family history
neurofibromatosis
Li–Fraumeni syndrome
tuberous sclerosis
Turcot syndrome
environmental factors
Prevention of Glioblastoma Multiforme
No, it is not possible to prevent Glioblastoma Multiforme.
unknown prevention
Occurrence of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Glioblastoma Multiforme cases seen each year worldwide:
Rare between 10K - 50K cases
Common Age Group
Glioblastoma Multiforme most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 60-80 years
Common Gender
Glioblastoma Multiforme can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Glioblastoma Multiforme:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: Determine the location and size of a brain tumour
Neurological Examination: To check the vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes
Computed tomography (CT): To diagnose brain tumours
Tissue biopsy: To diagnose glioblastoma multiforme
Doctor for Diagnosis of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Glioblastoma Multiforme:
Oncologist
Neurosurgeon
Complications of Glioblastoma Multiforme if untreated
Yes, Glioblastoma Multiforme causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Glioblastoma Multiforme is left untreated:
urinary tract infections
surgical site hematomas
Procedures for Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme
The following procedures are used to treat Glioblastoma Multiforme:
Surgery: To remove the brain tumours
Radiation Therapy: To kill the tumour cells by emission of radiations
Chemotherapy: To kill tumour cells
Palliative treatment: To improve quality of life and to achieve a longer survival time
Targeted drug therapy: To block the abnormalities and kill the cancer cells
Time for Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Glioblastoma Multiforme to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced
Last updated date
This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Glioblastoma Multiforme.