Glioblastoma diagnosis typically involves a series of tests aimed at detecting and characterizing brain tumors. If a brain tumor is suspected, healthcare providers may recommend:
- MRI or CT Scan: These imaging techniques allow for detailed visualization of the brain, enabling the identification of abnormal growths or tumors.
- Biopsy: To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy may be performed to extract a sample of the tumor tissue. This sample is then analyzed under a microscope to examine the cells for signs of cancer.
Healthcare providers use a grading system ranging from 1 to 4 to classify brain tumors based on their aggressiveness and growth rate. Grade 1 tumors grow slowly and are less aggressive, while grade 4 tumors, such as glioblastomas (GBMs), are highly aggressive and grow rapidly.
Glioblastomas are inherently grade 4 tumors, known for their aggressive nature. They can be classified into two types: primary and secondary.
- Primary GBM: Develops directly from glial cells and typically presents as grade 4 tumors from the outset.
- Secondary GBM: Occasionally, lower-grade (grade 1) glial tumors can progress and transform into glioblastomas over time. This progression from lower-grade to grade 4 glioblastoma is termed secondary GBM.
Understanding the type and grade of glioblastoma is crucial for devising an appropriate treatment plan and predicting the tumor’s behavior and response to therapies.
SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic