A glioblastoma is the most aggressive intrinsic tumor of the central nervous system. It arises from so-called glial cells (support cells of the brain) and is classified by the World Health Organization as WHO Grade 4 – this is the highest severity grade for brain tumors. Glioblastomas belong to the gliomas and account for about half of all gliomas in adults. In Germany, about three in 100,000 people fall ill with a glioblastoma each year – men slightly more often than women. Typically, glioblastoma occurs mainly in older adulthood (from about 60 years), but in rare cases, it can also affect younger people. The medical classification for glioblastomas is ICD-10: C71 (malignant brain tumor).
The glioblastoma grows invasively into the surrounding brain tissue. This means that the tumor cells diffusely penetrate the healthy brain tissue, so the tumor cannot be clearly delineated. Glioblastomas grow rapidly – often within a few weeks – and can quickly spread to both brain hemispheres if left untreated. Regions of the cerebrum like the temporal or frontal lobe are often affected; other areas are less common. Secondary growths outside the brain – so-called metastases – hardly ever occur in glioblastomas, as the tumor cells usually remain confined to the brain. Even at the time of diagnosis, microscopically small tumor cells are often present in the surrounding tissue. Precisely for this reason, an early, individually tailored therapy concept is so crucial.
A glioblastoma always corresponds to a highly malignant tumor: malignancy grade 4 according to WHO. Despite all progress, a Grade 4 glioblastoma is not curable by current standards. The available therapy aims to remove or contain the tumor as much as possible, slow its progression, and alleviate symptoms. This is intended to prolong the lifetime of patients and, above all, preserve their quality of life under the illness.
Especially with such a serious diagnosis, clear, trusting accompaniment by an experienced team is crucial. At Beta Klinik Bonn, you receive not only the most modern operative and medicinal procedures – but also comprehensive personal care, tailored individually to you and your family.
The exact causes for the development of a glioblastoma are not yet known. In most affected individuals, this tumor type occurs spontaneously and without recognizable triggers. There is no specific lifestyle or diet that has been proven to cause a glioblastoma. Nevertheless, some risk factors are known that can increase the likelihood of a brain tumor like glioblastoma: These include ionizing radiation and genetic predisposition. In most cases, a glioblastoma is not hereditary. Very rarely, it occurs in connection with certain hereditary syndromes where tumors generally develop more frequently. These include, for example, Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Turcot syndrome, both associated with an increased tendency for tumors in the central nervous system.
Additionally, a possible link between strong electromagnetic radiation (cell phone, high-voltage power lines, etc.) and brain tumors has long been discussed but is not clearly proven to this day. Common environmental factors or individual chemical substances have not been identified as clear causes so far. Likewise, there is no evidence that stress or head injuries trigger a glioblastoma.
It is important to emphasize: Those affected are not at fault. You have done nothing “wrong.” A glioblastoma usually occurs randomly, and it currently cannot be reliably prevented. There are also no regular screening examinations for the early detection of brain tumors due to a lack of clear risk factors. Researchers are working intensively to clarify the biological causes of this tumor – in the hope of developing more targeted therapies or preventive measures in the future.
The symptoms of a glioblastoma can vary greatly, as they depend on the tumor’s location in the brain. Initially, a glioblastoma often causes unspecific complaints that can easily be confused with other illnesses. Typical are general indications of increased intracranial pressure and a rapid increase in symptom severity, as the tumor grows quickly and the brain can hardly adapt to the pressure increase. Among the most common symptoms of a brain tumor like glioblastoma are:
- Headaches:Recurring, severe headaches where painkillers usually hardly help.
- Nausea and Vomiting:Especially morning nausea with vomiting can be caused by the increased pressure in the skull.
- Dizziness and Drowsiness:A persistent feeling of dizziness or phases of confusion can occur.
- Epileptic Seizures:Seizures without prior epilepsy are a common first sign of a brain tumor.
- Focal Neurological Deficits:Depending on the tumor location, deficits such as speech disorders, vision problems, visual field losses, paralysis, and sensory disturbances in arms or legs can occur.
Relatives of those affected often report personality changes, lack of drive, or irritability as noticeable changes. Affected individuals also frequently suffer from concentration and memory disorders. Such changes often develop quickly in glioblastoma and can initially be mistaken for a stroke.
Not every affected person with glioblastoma shows all these symptoms. Some complaints – for example, headaches and dizziness – are very general and also occur with harmless causes. However, there are alarm signs when several symptoms occur in combination, such as simultaneous headaches and vomiting. A rapid worsening of complaints is also a warning signal that must be addressed immediately. If such signs appear, you should seek medical advice promptly.
