Cancer Glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme is a fast-growing tumor that affects the brain or spinal cord less often. These tumors develop from glial cells that form the supporting tissue of the central nervous system. Glioblastoma multiform glioblastoma may also be called or astrocytoma grade IV.
By increasing the volume, the tumor invades the brain and compresses brain tissue or other structures, which may interfere with normal brain function. Thus, a brain tumor can interfere with:
• thought
• Memory
• emotions
• the movements
• vision
• hearing
• tact.
Scientists know what the cause of most brain tumors, however, are seeking to better understand the biology of glioblastoma multiforme and try to identify possible environmental risk factors, occupational, familial and genetic.
Treatment
Unfortunately, at present there is no curative therapy for glioblastoma. Treatment mainly involves:
• the relief of pain and symptoms
• improving the quality of life
• increased survival.
Treatment depends on the clinical situation and the patient's personal constraints. This usually includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Surgery. In most cases, surgery is the first stage of treatment aiming at removing as much as possible of the tumor thus providing a symptomatic relief. The surgery also allows to proceed to an examination of tumor tissue in order to confirm the diagnosis of glioblastoma.
Sometimes, in cases where the general condition of the patient does not permit surgery, chooses only by performing a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Glioblastomas like tentacles grow by invading the surrounding brain tissue and it is often impossible to remove completely. For this reason, the treatment plan includes, generally, an additional therapy to destroy cancer cells remaining.
Radiotherapy. Radiotherapy uses X-ray beam of high energy to stop or slow the growth of the tumor, and the patient usually subjected to such treatment after biopsy or surgical intervention.
The external beam radiotherapy uses high power X-rays directed to the tumor and surrounding tissues from a source located outside of the body. Another approach is the so-called interstitial radiation therapy or brachytherapy, when in this case, radioactive substances are introduced directly into the tumor.
Chemotherapy. To stop the growth of cancer cells can be used chemotherapy with drugs that taken orally administered intravenously or intramuscularly or inserted directly into the tumor area.
Some drugs used in chemotherapy destroy cancer cells and prevent them from reproducing, while others only alter the behavior of the tumor by modifying the environment surrounding.
Are several medications available to help treat the symptoms of glioblastoma. These drugs may reduce edema surrounding the tumor, control seizures and reduce nausea and vomiting.
Prevention
Currently, there is no known way to prevent glioblastoma. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a brain tumor, including history of prior radiotherapy and cerebral certain inherited diseases.