It is pretty normal for people to have mood changes and irritability once in a while. We all have one of those days when we just want to be left alone. However, if you notice changes in behavior accompanied by severe headaches, failing memory, and blurred eyesight, amongst other things, it is time to sit up and take notice.
Dr. Mohana Rao, Founder of Dr. Rao’s Hospital – a world-class neurology hospital in Guntur, says that these may be symptoms of a serious condition or brain ailment called Glioblastoma.
If you or a loved one has been suddenly experiencing sensations and having episodes that are out of the ordinary, please do not take it lightly. Get in touch with Dr. Mohana Rao, a renowned and respected neurosurgeon in Andhra Pradesh, to avail of his expertise in comprehensive nerve, brain, and spine care.
What Is Glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma or glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a condition that strikes unexpectedly, usually with a sudden seizure or some days of headaches that get worse each day. It is cancer that can develop in your brain or spinal cord and is very destructive. Glioblastoma originates from astrocytes, which are cells that support your nerve cells.
This cancer can strike anyone at any age, but it affects older people more frequently. It can induce headaches, seizures, nausea, and vomiting that worsen with time.
What Are The Symptoms Of Glioblastoma?
Symptoms of GBM usually appear suddenly. As the tumor grows, it exerts pressure on your brain, resulting in:
- Hazy or blurry vision
- Headaches, which become more and more frequent and severe
- Appetite loss
- Memory problems
- Mood swings or changes in personality
- Weakness in the muscle, and trouble walking
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Speech difficulties
- Numbness or tingling
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, please consult with Dr. Mohana Rao, among the best neurosurgeons in Andhra Pradesh, to find out what may be causing it.
What Can Cause Glioblastoma?
Despite various studies and research, experts do not know why some people develop malignant brain tumors, including glioblastoma.
However, some risk factors have been observed and understood.
Who Is At Risk Of Glioblastoma?
GBM most typically affects persons between the ages of 45 – 70. Although men are at a little higher risk than women, the disease affects people of all genders and ages.
These variables may put you at a higher risk:
- Exposure to chemicals like petroleum, synthetic rubber, pesticides, and vinyl chloride
- Genetic tumor-causing disorders like neurofibromatosis (tumors that form in your nervous system), Turcot syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome (both of which are rare genetic disorders increasing the risk of cancer in your brain and spine)
- Radiation therapy to the head had previously been used
How Is Glioblastoma Diagnosed?
There are several ways to diagnose a brain tumor, including-
Neurological exam:
Your doctor will discuss what changes you have observed, and experienced. He might examine your eyesight, hearing, coordination, reflexes, balance, and strength, among other things. Problems in any of these areas could indicate which section of your brain is being impacted by the tumor.
Imaging tests:
Imaging tests can enable your doctor to figure out where your brain tumor is and how big it is. Brain tumors are frequently diagnosed with MRI, which may be combined with specialized MRI imaging, like functional MRI and MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy).
The specialist may also conduct other imaging tests like CT scan (computed tomography) and PET (positron emission tomography).
Biopsy:
Depending on your situation and the position of your tumor, a needle biopsy can be performed before or during the surgery to remove some glioblastoma tissue. A laboratory examines the sample of suspicious tissue to assess the sort of cells present and the level of their aggressiveness.
The specialist can conduct specialized tests of the extracted tumor cells to determine and understand their mutation types. The types of mutation the cells have developed can provide information about the severity of your condition and the best treatment option.
If you suspect that the recent changes you have been undergoing are related to a brain condition, please visit Dr. Rao’s Hospital. It is among the leading neurology hospitals in Guntur with cutting-edge technology and sophisticated equipment.
What are the treatment options available?
Glioblastoma is a cancer that is very hard to treat and often incurable. Treatments may help to decrease the growth of cancer and alleviate symptoms.
The primary treatment is surgery during which your neurosurgeon will operate and work on removing as much of the cancerous tissues as possible. Glioblastoma cannot be completely removed because it develops into normal brain tissue. As a result, the majority of patients undergo further treatments following surgery to address the leftover cells.
However, some people cannot undergo surgery due to health issues or the location of the tumor. In such cases, radiation therapy and chemotherapy will be the primary treatment.
The treatments for GBM include:
Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy employs high-energy beams such as protons or X-rays to damage the cancer cells and stop their growth.
IMRT (Intensity-modulated radiation therapy):
IMRT enables the targeting of radiation to the tumor while limiting the exposure to healthy brain tissue in the surrounding area.
Stereotactic radiosurgery:
Stereotactic radiosurgery ( or gamma knife radiosurgery) is an advanced form of radiation therapy. This therapy uses highly focused X-ray beams to precisely target the tumor, resulting in minimal harm to healthy tissues. Providers may apply this approach when GBM increases after going through initial IMRT.
Targeted Drug Therapy:
Targeted medications target the specific defects in cancer cells that allow them to develop and flourish. The medicines focus on those abnormalities and cause them to die.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses medications to kill cancerous cells. Fine, circular wafers filled with chemotherapy medicine could be inserted into your brain during the surgery in some cases. The slowly dissolving wafers release the medication to kill the cancer cells.
TTF (Tumor treatment fields):
TTF entails putting adhesive pads on your scalp. The pads are wired to a handheld device that produces an electrical field that disrupts the ability of tumor cells from multiplying.TTF is used in conjunction with chemotherapy and can be administered following radiation therapy.
What Is The Outlook Or Prognosis For Glioblastoma Patients?
GBM is a malignancy that is aggressive and difficult to treat. Suitable treatments help to reduce symptoms, make you more comfortable, and help you live longer. The condition does not have a cure yet but many clinical trials are being conducted to develop newer glioblastoma therapies.
The average life expectancy is 15 months, with about 25% of patients surviving after 2 years and 7% for 5 years.
Conclusion
It can be tough to discover that you have GBM. The disease spreads swiftly, making therapy difficult. GBM researchers are still looking for novel ways to treat it. For the time being, treatments can help you manage your symptoms and enhance the quality of your life.
It is critical to understand that there was nothing you might have done or avoided that would have led to the development of a brain tumor in you or someone you love.
Do watch out for any sudden behavioral changes or discomforts that you feel, or are expressed by a loved one. The faster you address the symptoms, the faster the treatment can begin to alleviate discomfort.
Please schedule an appointment and seek medical attention from Dr. Mohana Rao, a top-notch neurosurgeon in Guntur, Hyderabad. Known for his integrity, professionalism, and expertise, he is passionate about improving the quality of people’s lives.