Glioblastoma multiforme
Also called spongioblastoma multiforme, this
form of brain tumor is the most common form of gliomas. It affects
mostly adults (peak age 50 to 60 years) and is twice as common
in men.
Glioblastoma multiforme is a highly malignant tumor that grows
rapidly and infiltrates the brain extensively. It may become quite
large before it is diagnosed.
This form of tumor is usually found in the cerebral hemispheres,
particularly the frontal and temporal lobe. It may traverse the
corpus callosum to the opposite hemisphere, and can metastasize
to infect other tissues of the nervous system through the cerebrospinal
fluid.
The symptoms of glioblastoma multiforme include:
- Increased
ICP
- Nausea
- Vomiting, particularly in children
- Headache
- Papilledema or accumulation of fluid in the optic disc of
the eye
- Changes in vital signs, including increased blood pressure
and breathing changes
- Difficulty in speech
- Changes in mental ability and behavior, particularly irritability
in children
- Changes in senses
Depending on the location of the tumor, glioblastoma multiforme
may also have the following symptoms:
| Location |
Symptoms |
| Midline |
Headache that is worse in the morning and made worse by
coughing, straining or sudden head movements |
| Temporal Lobe |
Seizure |
| Central region |
Partial or focal seizure |
| Optic and oculomotor nerves |
Visual acuity changes, visual problems |
| Frontal lobe |
Changes in reflex and motor responses |
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