Description glioblastoma multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme (MFG) It is the most common glioma (type of brain cancer). It takes almost one fourth of all primary brain tumors of the brain. This cancer begins in the glial cells, that help nerve cells work.
The disease can develop spontaneously. Less glioblastoma may develop from less malignant (cancer) brain tumors. In most cases, it located in FIG hemispheres, but it may begin in the spinal cord or brain stem.
If you suspect, that you have a serious disease, consult a physician immediately. Early treatment has a favorable outcome.
Reasons for glioblastoma multiforme
MFG voznikaet from astrocytes, which are one type of glial cells. Factors, that affect astrocyte and their degeneration into cancer cells, is not significantly clarified.
Risk factors for glioblastoma multiforme
Factors, which increase the likelihood of developing glioblastoma multiforme:
- Paul: male (slightly more common in men, than in women);
- Age: senior 50 years;
- Ethnicity: white, latinoamerikancы, aziatы;
- Have astrocytoma (brain tumor), which sometimes develops into a higher-grade tumor;
- Having one of the following genetic disorders, associated with increased incidence of gliomas:
- Nejrofiʙromatoz;
- Tuberous sclerosis;
- The disease von Hippel-Lindau;
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome;
- Syndrome Terkota;
- Radiation therapy (Irradiation with a high dose of radiation in the treatment of astrocytomas).
There is no evidence, electromagnetic radiation and cell phone use can cause this disease.
The symptoms of glioblastoma multiforme
Symptoms include:
- Повторяющаяся головная боль – более чем у 30% patients;
- Повторяющиеся приступы – от 20% to 30% patients;
- Прогрессивная когнитивная дисфункция – зависит от расположения опухоли. There may be problems with vision, speech, motor functions;
- Personality changes;
- Behavioral changes, development of inappropriate behavior;
- Memory loss.
Diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme
After a full examination of symptoms and complete a medical examination, your doctor may prescribe the following tests:
- Компьютерная томография головы – вид рентгена, which uses computer, to make pictures of structures inside the brain;
- МРТ – тест, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the brain;
- Функциональное МРТ – тест, which collects information about blood flow within the tumor, It gives more information about the function of the tumor and the surrounding normal brain tissue;
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (IAS) – тест, which measures the metabolic lesion in the brain;
- Электроэнцефалограмма – тест, which records the activity of the brain by measuring electrical current therethrough;
- Биопсия мозга – удаление образца ткани головного мозга, to check for the presence of violations;
- Spinnomozgovaya puncture – отбор небольшого количества спинномозговой жидкости для проверки нарушений в мозге;
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomography (SPECT scans) – выполняются снимки, which allow you to see the activity of brain tissue.
Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme
Often surgery is performed, to confirm the diagnosis and relieve headache, but doctors can not completely remove the cancer. Other treatments, used for glioblastoma multiforme:
- Лучевая терапия – используется для дальнейшего уменьшения размера опухоли. It is effective in approximately 25% of patients and can be most helpful in improving survival in older patients;
- Химиотерапия – повышает выживаемость и качество жизни;
- Also used steroids, to suppress tumor, anticonvulsant drugs to suppress the attacks, and painkillers.
Currently, researchers are studying new treatments. These include:
- Immunotherapy;
- Anti-angiogenesis (to stop the tumor from making new cells);
- Molecular Therapy;
- Gennaya therapy;
- Генетический анализ опухоли – становится важным инструментом в определении того, what treatments are best suited for a given individual. In these areas it is necessary to conduct additional studies .
Unfortunately, overall poor prognosis. Even with aggressive treatment, patients do not live more than five years after diagnosis. Nonetheless, there is evidence of, that medical and surgical intervention can increase the time and improve the quality of life.
Patients with glioblastoma multiforme need support, which may include:
- Participation in support groups;
- Psychotherapy and psychiatry;
- Pain management;
- Hospice.
Prevention glioblastoma multiforme
There are no methods to prevent glioblastoma multiforme, as the cause of its occurrence is unknown.