January 2020 – CancerCareNews

Glioblastoma multiforme also known as glioblastoma is a fast-growing glioma that develops from star-shaped glial cells which support the health of the nerve cells within the brain. It is the most aggressive cancer that begins within the brain and is the second most common brain tumour. Glioblastomas are characterized by the presence of small areas of necrotizing tissue that are surrounded by anaplastic cells. About three per one lakh people develop the disease a year. It most often begins around the age of sixty-four years and occurs more commonly in males than females. Radiation therapy for cancer is an important way of treating the disease. Advanced medical sciences treatment has been adopted in cancer hospital Bangalore and other cancer hospitals in India.

Glioblastoma -Multiforme | Brain Tumor

What is the cause of glioblastoma multiforme?

Glioblastoma cells have more genetic abnormalities than the cells of other types of astrocytoma brain cancer. Researchers believe that several different genetic mutations is involved in the development of these cancers. These genetic mutations can be caused by

Inherited DNA defects.
High-dose exposure to ionizing radiation
Cumulative effects of exposure to chemicals and other carcinogens

Genetic mutation can cause a cell to break away from its normal growth and death cycle; one additional cell can produce additional copies of itself that can eventually accumulate into a tumour.

Symptoms of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Symptoms vary depending on the location of the brain tumour but also may include the following:

Persistent Headaches
Double or blurred Vision
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Changes in mood and personality
Changes in ability to think and learn
Speech difficulty of gradual onset
Localized neurological problems

Treatment

Treating glioblastoma is very difficult due to several complication factors. There is a unique barrier, termed the “blood-brain barrier” limiting the passage of molecules, from the main bloodstream into the brain. Glioblastoma is having finger-like tentacles, which extend some more length from the main tumour mass to the surroundings. Generally, it is not possible in a brain tumour to completely remove it considering other tumours in the body.

Brain Cancer Treatment in Bangalore

Surgery

Surgery is the first and foremost way to treat Glioblastoma Multiforme. On an average, the tumour has 1,00,000,000,000 cells. On surgery, it gets reduced by 98%. Even removing a portion of the tumour can reduce the signs and symptoms. Surgery to remove glioma carries risks like infection and bleeding. Tumour can not be removed from the surroundings as they are located near the sensitive areas of the brain.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be taken orally or intravenously as required by the patient. This treatment is now standard for most cases of glioblastoma. Side-effects of chemotherapy depend on the dose and type of drugs like nausea, vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, fever, weakness, low immunity, skin rashes, irritation.

Radiation

Regardless of the advanced diagnostic procedure and multi-treatment which includes maximal surgical resection, followed by radiotherapy along with maintenance temozolomide chemotherapy; almost all patients experience tumour progression. Radiation uses high energy beams such as X-rays or protons to kill tumour cells.

Radiotherapy for brain tumor patients

The type of glioma one has, its grade and other prognostic symptoms are considered in determining the timing and type of radiation therapy a patient may receive. There are different types of radiation therapy:

Using a computer system to pinpoint delivery

Techniques include intensity-modulated radiation therapy and 3D conformal radiation therapy. With the help of computers radiation therapy to the exact location of the brain tumour.

Using Protons

This technique is called conformal proton beam therapy. The treatment starts once the proton reaches the tumour.

Using multiple beams of radiation

This technique is called stereotactic radiation therapy. Every single beam of radiation is not particularly powerful, but the point where all the beams meet at the brain tumour receives a large dosage of radiation to kill the cancer cells in a very small area.

Radiotherapy includes side effects varying with the dosage and type of radiotherapy. The common side effects include fatigue, headache and scalp irritation.

Uterine cancer is generally called Endometrial cancer in medical terms. The uterus lining, made of different layers of cells when affected by cancerous cells leads to uterine cancer. The uterus is surrounded by a tissue known as the endometrium. When cancer cells grow at this part, the condition is known as endometrial cancer.

Uterine Cancer

Endometrial cancer can be detected at a very early stage as it usually initializes with abnormal vaginal bleeding. If discovered at the early stage, uterine cancer can be cured with proper surgery and medications. If left untreated, cancer in the uterus can spread to the bladder or rectum. It also can spread to the vagina, ovaries and distant organs.

You can get cancer treatment in bangalore ( Visit: https://oncology.fortisbangalore.com/ ) from the best surgeons if you seek early medical care on experiencing the symptoms of uterine cancer.

The following are a few known symptoms of uterine cancer-

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Bleeding after menopause
Bleeding between periods
Heavier and long-lasting periods
Unusual vaginal discharge which usually is accompanied by a stinking smell
Pain during intercourse
Weight loss
Pelvic pain or pressure
Bleeding and painful urination
Bleeding from the rectum
Fluid build-up in the abdomen or the legs known as ascites and lymphedema

Endometrial cancer is common in women who have experienced menopause. Women over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of acquiring uterine cancer. Here are a few risk factors that might trigger uterine cancer-

Women who got their first periods early
Late menopause
Obesity
Diabetic or High blood-sugar
Has a history of infertility and irregular periods
Presence of abnormal cells in the endometrium
Family history of breast or endometrial cancer

The above symptoms are generally associated with stage 1 uterine cancer treatment.

The treatment for cancer in uterus requires a multidisciplinary team of doctors. These doctors combine different types of treatment to provide overall cancer treatment. It is also recommended to visit a gynaecologist and urologist who efficiently provides cancer treatments of the female reproductive system.

Several factors determine the treatment options such as stage and type of cancer, age of the patient, the possibility of side effects, overall health and age, and also personal preference such as fertility issues. Uterine cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. These treatments may sometimes be combined for better results depending on the stage and characteristic of cancer.

The following are two common types of surgical procedures for the treatment of uterine cancer-

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy

As per cancer affected area, the surgeon performs a simple hysterectomy. Here, the cervix and uterus are amputated. In the case of the advancement of the disease, a radical hysterectomy is done. Several tissues, uterus, cervix are removed.

A bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both fallopian tubes and the ovaries) are done to the patients who have experienced menopause. Generally, the one-surgeons perform the Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy in case the patient has already experienced menopause.

Removal of Lymph Node

During a hysterectomy, the doctor will remove all lymph nodes surrounding the tumour area to check if cancer has advanced further beyond the uterus. This procedure is known as sentinel lymph nodes biopsy.

The above procedures are required during stage 3 uterine cancer treatment.

Women might have concerns regarding their treatment as it may affect their sexual health and lower fertility. Pre-menopausal women must discuss with their health care team if they want to preserve their fertility and get pregnant at a later period. Moreover, it is crucial to choose an excellent hospital or clinic to get the right treatment. You can speak to a reproductive endocrinologist (REI) and also get in touch with a fertility specialist.

Month: January 2020

How does radiotherapy help to treat glioblastoma multiforme?