A cancerous tumour which develops in the brain. The tumour forms in the star-shaped cells of the brain called astrocytes, which supports the nervous system.

Symptoms & Reports

• Persistent headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Changes in cognitive abilities
• Memory loss
• Personality Changes
• Seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty in speaking

Causes

• The exact cause of this condition is unknown.
• It is associated with genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis and Li-Fraumeni syndrome
• Previous radiation therapy increases risk
• It is more common in males
• Exposure to smoking, pesticides or working in a petroleum refining increases risk
• Associated with viruses such as cytomegalovirus, SV40
• Caucasian and Asian ethnicities

Prevention

• Avoid exposure to radiations
• Avoid or limit exposure to pesticides
• Avoid cigarette smoking

Screening Options available at JNCHRC

• Neurological examination: The doctor checks the symptoms, and performs tests to check vision, hearing, and balancing ability.
• CT scan: CT scan of the brain is performed to assess the size and location of the tumour.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI of the brain provides a detailed image of the glioblastomas that appear as ring-enhancing lesions.
• Biopsy: A sample of the affected brain cells is examined to determine the type and their level of aggressiveness.