Glioblastoma

What is a glioblastoma?

A glioblastoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that involves the reproduction and division of a large number of tumor cells at any period of time. These highly aggressive tumors are able to grow so quickly because they receive nourishment from abnormal blood vessels inside the tumor.

Primarily made up of astrocytic cells, glioblastomas also contain other types of cells, including blood vessels and dead cells. The tumor grows into nearby areas of the brain and can also spread to the other side of the brain through connective fibers, known as corpus callosum, although the tumors rarely spread to areas outside of the brain.

These tendrils of tumor cells can spread rapidly, like an amoeba, reaching areas of the brain that other tumors can’t, making them more difficult to remove.

What causes glioblastomas?

Some glioblastomas begin as a side effect of other conditions, but many develop for no specific reason or genetic influence.

Your risks for developing a glioblastoma increase as you age, with many people developing the condition around the age of 64. This type of cancerous tumor is very rare in children.

What are the symptoms of a glioblastoma?

Glioblastomas can cause symptoms that develop suddenly due to pressure on the brain from the tumor itself or from fluid that builds up around the tumor.

As pressure increases, you can experience issues like:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Sensory changes
• Memory issues
• Severe headaches
• Difficulties maintaining balance

It’s also possible to have seizures as the result of a glioblastoma.

What treatments are available for a glioblastoma?

As an experienced neurosurgeon and an expert in the treatment of glioblastomas, Dr. Duma uses leading-edge technologies to effectively remove the tumor, including the tendrils of cells that travel out of the tumor’s epicenter.

Dr. Duma uses the Gamma Knife™ radiosurgery technologies to destroy the cancerous growths and effectively eliminate the tumor. This type of procedure involves directing beaming gamma radiation waves at target areas in the tumor to destroy it.

The Gamma Knife is a scalpel-like tool that Dr. Duma uses to deliver radiation waves to tumor cells without damaging surrounding brain tissue.

After a full evaluation of your medical history and the location and severity of your glioblastoma, Dr. Duma can discuss your options for treatment, including Gamma Knife radiosurgery.

To learn more about available services for diagnosing and treating glioblastomas, schedule a consultation with Dr. Duma today by calling the office or booking an appointment online.