Definition
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common glioma. Glioma is a type of brain tumor. This tumor starts in the glial cells. These cells help the brain work.
GBM can develop quickly. It can also come from other slower growing brain tumors. GBMs are mainly found in the middle part of the brain. But, it can also start in the the base of the brain or spinal cord.
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Causes
Cancer is when cells in the body split without control or order. They go on to form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to harmful growths. These growths attack nearby tissues. They also spread to the brain or spinal cord. It's not clear what causes this. It’s likely a mix of genes and the environment.
Risk Factors
Your chances of GBM are higher if you:
- Are aged 50 years or older
- Are White, Hispanic, or Asian
- Have a brain tumor
- Have rare inherited diseases such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome,or neurofibromatosis type 1
- Were exposed to radiation
- Worked in rubber or petroleum jobs
- Were exposed to vinyl chloride or pesticides
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the tumor's size and where it is. GBM may cause:
- Headaches
- Seizures
-
Problems with:
- Walking
- Hearing
- Vision
- Speech
- Memory
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your answers and a physical exam may point to GBM. You may also have
Imaging tests such as:
Treatment
Surgery is often done to confirm a diagnosis. It’s done to remove as much of the tumor as possible. In most cases, the entire tumor can’t be taken out. Other methods to treat GBM:
- Radiation therapy—to shrink the tumor
- Chemotherapy —to improve length and quality of life
- Steroids—to reduce swelling in the brain
- Antiseizure medicines
- Pain relievers
GBM is very hard to treat and has a low survival rate. You and your family may be advised to find:
- Support groups
- Counseling
- Someone to help with end of life planning
- Hospice care
RESOURCES
American Brain Tumor Association https://www.abta.org
American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada https://www.braintumour.ca
Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca
References
Brain tumors. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Available at: http://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Brain-Tumors. Accessed January 29, 2021.
General information about adult primary central nervous (CNS) tumors. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/brain/hp/adult-brain-treatment-pdq. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Glioblastoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116043/Glioblastoma. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 01/29/2021