Glioblastoma - tumor in brain cell tissue
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
Glioblastomas (GBM) are tumors that arise from astrocytes—the star-shaped cells that make up the “glue-like,” or supportive tissue of the brain. They are generally found in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain, but can be found anywhere in the brain or spinal cord.
The clinical history of a patient with glioblastoma multiforme is usually short (< 3 months in >50% of patients). Common presenting symptoms include the following:
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Slowly progressive neurologic deficit, usually motor weakness
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Headache
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Generalized symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, including headaches, nausea and vomiting, and cognitive impairment
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Seizures
Neurologic symptoms and signs can be either general or focal and reflect the location of the tumor, as follows:
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General symptoms: Headaches, nausea and vomiting, personality changes, and slowing of cognitive function International
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Focal signs: Hemiparesis, sensory loss, visual loss, aphasia, and others
Treatment:
Maximal surgical resection, radiotherapy, and concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide.
Patients older than 70 years: Less aggressive therapy is sometimes considered, using radiation or temozolomide alone.