The fundamental understanding of Glioblastomas consist of knowing the structure, origin, and symptoms of this type of cancer. “According to the American Brain Tumor association Glioblastoma has been described as “tumors that arise from astrocytes—the star-shaped cells that make up the “glue-like,” or supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels.” In addition, this form of cancer attacks surrounding tissue which prohibits the ability to spread across the body irregularly. GBM tumors are generally found in the cerebral hemispheres of the …show more content…
brain, but can be also found along the spinal cord as well .The cause of these tumor are unknown at the time. 2Some of the most common symptoms related to this disease can include headaches associated with seizures, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Depending on the location of the tumor a variety of other symptoms may occur , such as weakness on either side of the body, visual impairment, memory loss and/or create speech difficulties.
The severity of GB depends on the two types of formalities the tumors can derive from.
The most aggressive type which is called primary starts off as a grade IV tumor, it has a lesser chance of survival rate. The secondary type of formality, that begins at a slower growth pace is more common in people 45 years and younger, but is found in only 10% of glioblastoma patients which makes it rare. Those who have been diagnosed with GBM have short life expectancies; some as short as three years after diagnosis .These tumors create their own blood supply, which helps them grow and makes it easy for them to invade normal brain tissue. Glioblastoma can be difficult to treat because the tumors are made of many different types of cancer cells. Some of the cells may respond well to certain therapies, while others may not be affected at all. This is why the treatment plans for glioblastoma may be combined with several approaches to stabilize and slow the growth of the
tumor.
With the progression of medical technology, new forms of radiation therapy have increased the survival percentage of people with the more aggressive form of the pathology.