Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the brain or spinal cord. It grows quickly and can invade and destroy healthy tissue. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells.
Glioblastoma can happen at any age. But it tends to occur more often in older adults and more often in men. Symptoms include; headaches that keep getting worse, nausea and vomiting, blurred or double vision, and seizures.
Causes and Risk Factors for Glioblastoma
According to an article from Everyday health Researchers have identified some risk factors for brain tumors, but most tumors have no known cause. Some risk factors are under your control, while others cannot . These are some causes;
Radiation: This often arises when radiation is used to treat some other condition. Before the risks were known, children with ringworm on their scalp were treated with low-dose radiation. Tragically, this was later found to increase their risk of brain tumors as they got older.
Age: The tumors may appear in anyone, but they are slightly more common in males and older people. The average age for a glioblastoma diagnosis is 64 years.
Having a family history of glioma:Glioma can run in families, but this is very rare. More research is needed to understand whether parents can pass a risk of glioma to their children.
And finally,Finding out you have GBM can be difficult. The disease grows quickly and treatment is challenging. Researchers continue to look for new ways to treat GBM. For now, treatments can minimize symptoms and improve your quality of life. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options, including clinical trials.
