Glioblastoma

It is the most malignant and dangerous brain cancer, originating from the brain's own tissue (primary), characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of support cells, and classified as Grade 4 according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

It does not grow as a lump with clear borders; it spreads by infiltrating healthy brain cells like tree roots or a spider's web. Because of this, it is physically impossible to completely clear 100% of the tumor cells with surgery.

With very rare exceptions, Glioblastoma does not spread (metastasize) outside the brain to other organs (like the lungs or liver). It causes all its damage and aggressive spread within the brain and spinal cord.

Because it grows so fast, it suddenly increases intracranial pressure. Severe and persistent headaches, vomiting that wakes the patient from sleep, sudden memory problems, personality changes, and paralysis on one side of the body are seen.

The location and characteristic structure (a necrotic/dead tissue center) of the tumor are identified with a contrast-enhanced Brain MRI. However, for a definitive diagnosis and molecular genetic analysis, the surgically removed tissue must be sent to pathology.

The first stage is the surgical removal of the maximum possible amount of the tumor's core without damaging neurological functions (maximal safe resection). A few weeks after the procedure, both Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy medications (Temozolomide) are started simultaneously to kill/halt the remaining infiltrating cells.