What happens if glioblastoma is not treated?

Glioblastoma grows among healthy brain tissue rather than as a separate lump that can always be fully separated. As it expands, swelling around it and pressure inside the skull can interfere with the areas controlling language, strength, balance, vision, memory, or behaviour. A first-time seizure, persistent headache, repeated vomiting, or a new change in personality needs urgent medical assessment. These symptoms can have other causes and do not by themselves prove a brain tumour.

Contact a neurology or neuro-oncology team promptly after a concerning scan or diagnosis. Brain imaging and tissue analysis help define the tumour and guide choices. Treatment may involve brain tumour surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combinations of these. A team can also address swelling, seizures, pain, mobility, communication, and practical support. Do not drive if you have had a seizure until a clinician advises you.

Call emergency services for a seizure lasting several minutes, repeated seizures without recovery, sudden weakness on one side, new trouble speaking, severe drowsiness, collapse, or a sudden severe headache with vomiting. Stay with the person, protect them from injury, and do not put anything in their mouth during a seizure.

Ask which brain areas are involved, whether swelling or seizures need treatment now, what the scan and tissue results show, which treatment is recommended first, and what changes should prompt emergency help.