Introduction
Glioblastoma is an advanced, malignant tumor of the brain. It does not originate from nerve cells, but from the supporting cells of the brain, the star cells (astrocytes). Accordingly, glioblastoma belongs to the group of astrocytomas (star cell tumors).
Due to its poor prognosis and poor possibilities for treatment, glioblastoma is classified as a grade 4 (of four grades) astrocytoma. Lower grades of astrocytoma are actually not yet glioblastomas. However, the classification is only a snapshot, as the tumors change over time and become more malignant (become higher grade). This tumor most frequently occurs in adults between 45 and 60 years of age, or in children under the age of two, although it is significantly less common in children overall than in adults.
How does a grade 1 glioblastoma progress?
Grade 1 glioblastomas – actually grade 1 astrocytomas – are also called benign astrocytomas. Only very rarely do they develop into a malignant astrocytoma. These tumors usually occur in childhood and adolescence.
Depending on where they occur, a wide variety of symptoms can occur. Among the most common are visual disturbances (when occurring near the optic nerves), gait insecurity and dizziness with movement disorders (when occurring near the cerebellum) and facial paralysis and sensory disorders in the face (due to cranial nerve deficits – when occurring at the brain stem). The symptoms appear gradually and worsen over time.
In some cases, they can also appear very suddenly. Grade 1 astrocytomas do not grow into the surrounding tissue, but can displace it and compress it so strongly that it is damaged. Depending on the location of the tumor and its symptoms, different therapies can be applied.
If the tumor is located favourably, surgery (resection) is the method of choice. Often the tumor can be completely removed. The patient is thus cured. If the tumor is very unfavorable, it will be further monitored. If the tumor changes significantly or is located in very sensitive areas of the brain (for example, near the respiratory center at the brain stem), radiation therapy is attempted, which can also lead to a cure.
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