Understanding glioblastoma and other brain tumours is crucial due to their significant impact on health. Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and aggressive cancer that originates in astrocytes, the cells supporting nerve cells, and typically develops in the brain or spinal cord, invading nearby tissue. While no cure exists, treatments can help manage its progression and symptoms. On the other hand, brain tumours, whether cancerous or noncancerous, share some symptoms and diagnostic methods, but the specifics of treatment and outcomes can differ significantly.
We spoke to our expert Dr BSV Raju, Senior Consultant Neuro and Spine Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, who explained the similarities and differences between these two conditions.
What Is Glioblastoma?
“Glioblastoma, a lethal, complex, and treatment-resistant cancer, constitutes over 50% of adult cases of cancerous brain tumours. It is a malignancy that begins with the development of cells in the brain or spinal cord, grows rapidly, and can invade and destroy healthy tissue,” said Dr Raju.
Symptoms of glioblastoma might include persistent headaches, nausea and vomiting, blackouts, blurred or double vision, seizures and more. Currently, there is no cure for glioblastoma. Treatments may delay cancer progression and alleviate symptoms.
According to StatPearls, glioblastoma is the most malignant and widespread subtype of glioma. It is the most common primary brain tumour in adults, making up 45.2% of primary malignant brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours.
Glioblastoma is the most prevalent grade 4 brain cancer and can occur in any lobe of the brain, though it is most often found in the frontal and temporal lobes. This type of tumour primarily affects adults, as stated by the Cancer Center.
Also Read: What Is Brain Mosaicism? Expert Insights On How Genetic Mutations Affect Children’s Brains
What Is a Brain Tumour?
“A brain tumour is an abnormal cell growth in or near the brain. Brain tumours can be either cancerous or noncancerous. Non cancerous brain tumours can grow and put pressure on brain tissue over time,” said Dr Raju. Brain tumours can vary in size and growth rate, with cancerous cells able to penetrate and damage brain tissue. Surgery and radiation therapy are common treatments for brain tumours.
Similarities between Glioblastoma and Other Brain Tumours
Glioblastoma and other brain tumours share certain similarities. Dr Raju shared some of them as follows:
- Both are caused by abnormal brain cells.
- Both present with overlapping symptoms, such as headaches and seizures.
- Both often require similar diagnostic methods, such as MRI and CT scans.
- Surgical intervention, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are common treatment techniques for both, though the specific strategies and outcomes differ depending on the tumour type and severity.
Differences between Glioblastoma and Other Brain Tumours
Here are some differences between these two conditions as shared by Dr Raju:
Glioblastoma
- Aggressiveness: Very aggressive
- Symptom Onset: Symptoms develop quickly, within days to months
- Growth Rate: Tumour size can double within weeks
- Treatment: Requires chemotherapy in addition to surgery and radiation therapy
- Survival Rate: 12-18 months
Other Brain Tumours
- Aggressiveness: Not all tumours are aggressive
- Symptom Onset: Symptoms develop more slowly, over months to years
- Growth Rate: Tumour growth can take several months or years
- Treatment: Surgery and radiation therapy are the primary treatments
- Survival Rate: Generally more than a year
Bottomline
Dr Raju concluded, “Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive and fatal form of brain cancer. While it has some parallels to other brain tumours, its rapid development, invasive nature, and resistance to treatment set it apart as a serious challenge. Understanding each type of brain tumour is critical for developing effective therapies and improving treatment outcomes.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]