Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme is the name given to the most malignant types of tumors that originate in the brain's supportive tissue (glioma). These tumors are also called grade IV astrocytoma.
Yearly, five out of every 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with glioblastoma. These tumors are the most common of the primary malignant brain tumors.
Glioblastoma multiforme is more common in older adults (age 45-55) and more common in men than women. These tumors also affect children, though less than 10 percent of pediatric brain tumors are glioblatoma multiforme.
What causes glioblastoma multiforme?
Though researchers have identified specific chromosomes as key in the development of glioblastoma multiforme, the cause of these tumors remain unknown.
Symptoms
Glioblastoma mulitiforme symptoms depend on tumor location. General symptoms for metastatic brain tumors include:
- Headaches
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Problems with balance
- Seizures
- Behavior, memory and personality changes
Glioblastoma Mulitiforme Treatment
Treatment plans are dependent upon the numbers of tumors, tumor location and the primary cancer. Surgery is frequently the preferred method of treating glioblastoma multiforme. However, because these tumors take the shape of tentacles, they usually cannot be completely removed with surgery. Radiation can be used to treat the remnants of the tumors, as can chemotherapy.
