Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common of all brain tumors and the most difficult to treat. It is usually seen between the ages of 40-60 and is more common in men.

The most common symptoms of glioblastoma multiforme are headache, memory loss, seizures, and behavioral changes. These symptoms occur due to increased pressure as a result of the rapid growth of the tumor. As the tumor grows, some bodily functions may be lost depending on the feature of the place where it presses.

What Are The Symptoms? How Is The Diagnosis Made?

Glioblastoma patients apply to health institutions with slowly progressive neurological symptoms ranging from days to weeks. Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. The most common symptoms are; headache, epileptic seizures, memory loss, and cognitive and personality changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) imaging is the most preferred radiological method for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning of brain tumors. After imaging and diagnosis, surgical intervention is performed as the first step of treatment. The mass is tried to be cleaned as much as possible in a way that causes minimal damage to healthy brain tissues. Pathological examination of the parts to be taken during the surgical intervention is very important in deciding the treatment to be started.

 

Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment

The first method of treatment is surgery. With an open brain surgery called a craniotomy, a cross-section is made in the patient’s skull, and the mass that forms the tumor is reached from there and cut and removed.

Since the cells that make up the tumor are microscopic, cells remain behind the surgery. Irradiation is applied to the surgical area to prevent these cells from forming tumors again. This treatment is called radiotherapy or radiation therapy. In cases where surgery is impossible, this method ensures tumor mass destruction.

 

Despite surgery and radiotherapy, the conditions that cause the tumor may not be eliminated. Medication (chemotherapy) prevents tumor recurrence (recurrence) and kills any cells that may be left behind. In cases where surgery and radiotherapy are not preferred, drug therapy destroys the tumor.

 

Along with the above treatments, various treatments are applied to reduce the symptoms in the patient. Corticosteroid drugs called edema removers to prevent edema resulting from the tumor intervention. Epilepsy crises, common in Glioblastoma Multiforme patients, are reduced by antiepileptic medications. Movement disorders that may occur in patients are corrected by applying physical therapy.