What should you know about malignant glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma develops from supportive cells in the brain and can grow into nearby brain tissue. Symptoms depend on the tumour’s location and may include headaches, seizures, weakness, speech or vision changes, personality changes, or difficulty with memory and concentration.

Magnetic resonance imaging helps show the tumour’s position and effect on the brain. A biopsy or tissue removed during surgery is examined to confirm the diagnosis and identify features that guide treatment. A neuro-oncology team considers neurological function, general health, tumour location and the safest way to obtain tissue.

Discuss the treatment sequence with a neuro-oncology team. Brain tumour surgery may remove as much visible tumour as can be safely reached, while protecting speech, movement and other functions. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may follow surgery or be used when surgery is not possible.

Ask about seizure prevention, steroids if swelling is present, physiotherapy, speech therapy, work support and help with everyday tasks. Clinical trials may be an option for some people; eligibility depends on the tumour, previous treatment and health. Keep an updated medicine list and take steroids or seizure medicines only as directed.

Call emergency services for a seizure lasting longer than usual, repeated seizures without recovery, sudden severe weakness, new loss of speech, collapse, marked drowsiness or a severe headache with vomiting. Contact the oncology team promptly for a new seizure, worsening confusion, increasing weakness or a significant change in vision.

Ask where the tumour is, what the tissue analysis shows, what surgery can safely achieve and how treatment could affect thinking, speech or movement. Ask about radiotherapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials, seizure plans, rehabilitation and the symptoms that require immediate help.