Glioblastoma multiforme

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:

• Repeated headache – more than 30% patients;
• Repeated attacks – from 20% to 30% patients;
• Progressive cognitive dysfunction – It depends on the location of the tumor. 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:

• Computed tomography of the head – X-ray views, which uses computer, to make pictures of structures inside the brain;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the brain;
• Functional MRI – test, 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) – test, which measures the metabolic lesion in the brain;
• Electroencephalogram – test, which records the activity of the brain by measuring electrical current therethrough;
• Biopsy of the brain – removing a sample of brain tissue, to check for the presence of violations;
• Spinnomozgovaya puncture – selection of a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid to test disturbances in the brain;
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and single photon emission tomography (SPECT scans) – vыpolnyayutsya photos, 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:

• Radiation therapy – It is used to further reduce the size of the tumor. It is effective in approximately 25% of patients and can be most helpful in improving survival in older patients;
• Chemotherapy – improves survival and quality of life;
• 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;
• Genetic analysis of the tumor – It is becoming an important tool in determining, 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.