For those who are familiar with brain tumors, the term "glioblastoma" might not be new. For those who aren't aware, simply know that it's the most common form of malignant primary brain tumor. In fact, it accounts for 52% of all brain tumor cases. What exactly makes it different from other tumors, though, and why is it as severe as experts make it out to be?
A glioblastoma brain tumor is composed of several cell forms. Furthermore, this is a malignant type of tumor, meaning that the cells inside of it constantly reproduce because it's surrounded by a consistent, healthy blood source. It's fortunate, though, that this particular tumor does not travel outside of the brain. Even with this one positive, it's still a rather staggering fact and it's one that organizations like VABC utilize in order to raise overall awareness about brain cancer.
There are two forms glioblastomas can take on: primary or secondary. The primary form is seen as the more common of the two but it's also considered more severe. It builds quickly early on, so its presence is made known much sooner than the secondary. In comparison to the primary, the secondary form isn't quite as severe, but it has a slower growth history. This form represents approximately only 10% of glioblastomas and is seen commonly in people 45 years old and younger.
Another trait shared among brain tumors is that treatment can be rather difficult to pinpoint. As of this date, there's no real form of immediate treatment for glioblastomas since so many cell types exist within it. While many cells may be affected by treatment, there are cells which wouldn't be impacted at all. In this common scenario, there's no question that there's more steps that should be taken, whether by taking stress off of the brain or going through with radiation or chemotherapy.
glioblastomas are the most common form of malignant primary brain tumor in existence, and they cannot be treated like any other tumor. There are forms of treatment out there but to say that there's one that will completely wipe out the negative impact of said tumor would be less than truthful. Since they have finger-like tentacles, they may become difficult to remove if they're growing near vital parts of the brain itself. It's a condition that, just like other brain tumor types, is being keyed in on by passionate organizations.
A glioblastoma brain tumor is composed of several cell forms. Furthermore, this is a malignant type of tumor, meaning that the cells inside of it constantly reproduce because it's surrounded by a consistent, healthy blood source. It's fortunate, though, that this particular tumor does not travel outside of the brain. Even with this one positive, it's still a rather staggering fact and it's one that organizations like VABC utilize in order to raise overall awareness about brain cancer.
There are two forms glioblastomas can take on: primary or secondary. The primary form is seen as the more common of the two but it's also considered more severe. It builds quickly early on, so its presence is made known much sooner than the secondary. In comparison to the primary, the secondary form isn't quite as severe, but it has a slower growth history. This form represents approximately only 10% of glioblastomas and is seen commonly in people 45 years old and younger.
Another trait shared among brain tumors is that treatment can be rather difficult to pinpoint. As of this date, there's no real form of immediate treatment for glioblastomas since so many cell types exist within it. While many cells may be affected by treatment, there are cells which wouldn't be impacted at all. In this common scenario, there's no question that there's more steps that should be taken, whether by taking stress off of the brain or going through with radiation or chemotherapy.
glioblastomas are the most common form of malignant primary brain tumor in existence, and they cannot be treated like any other tumor. There are forms of treatment out there but to say that there's one that will completely wipe out the negative impact of said tumor would be less than truthful. Since they have finger-like tentacles, they may become difficult to remove if they're growing near vital parts of the brain itself. It's a condition that, just like other brain tumor types, is being keyed in on by passionate organizations.
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