Glioblastoma

A glioblastoma is a high-grade glioma, meaning it develops from glial cells and tends to grow and spread within nearby brain tissue. It is considered one of the most aggressive types of brain tumors because it can infiltrate healthy brain tissue, making complete removal difficult.

Glioblastomas may develop in different parts of the brain and can affect people differently depending on its location. A tumor near areas that control speech, movement, vision, memory or personality may cause symptoms in those functions. Baptist Health specialists use advanced imaging, neurosurgical planning and neuro-oncology expertise to evaluate glioblastoma and other brain tumors, including meningioma, pituitary adenoma and spinal tumor.

A glioblastoma is generally classified by how it develops and by molecular features that help guide treatment planning.

• Primary glioblastomas appear without a known lower-grade tumor first.
• Secondary glioblastomas develop from a lower-grade glioma that changes over time into a more aggressive tumor.
• Molecular markers help guide prognosis and treatment response, including:
• IDH status: A genetic marker that indicates whether tumor cells have a mutation in the isocitrate dehydrogenase gene; it can influence prognosis and treatment response.
• MGMT promoter methylation: A molecular feature that affects how well the tumor may respond to certain chemotherapy drugs by limiting the tumor’s ability to repair DNA damage.

Glioblastoma symptoms often depend on where the tumor is located and how much pressure it creates inside the skull. Symptoms may appear gradually or worsen quickly.

Common symptoms include:

• Headaches that are new, worsening or different from usual headaches
• Seizures, especially in someone without a prior seizure history
• Nausea or vomiting, often related to pressure in the brain
• Weakness, numbness or problems with balance
• Changes in speech, vision, memory, behavior or personality
• Confusion, drowsiness or trouble concentrating

Because symptoms can overlap with other neurological conditions, a thorough evaluation is important. If seizures occur, Baptist Health may evaluate related seizure concerns through Epilepsy & Seizures testing when appropriate.

Most glioblastomas do not have a clear, preventable cause. The condition develops when changes in brain cells allow abnormal cells to grow and divide. These changes are usually not inherited and often occur without a known trigger.

Risk factors may include older age, prior radiation exposure to the head and rare inherited genetic syndromes that increase the risk of certain tumors. Having a risk factor does not mean someone will develop glioblastoma, and many people diagnosed with glioblastoma have no obvious risk factor.

Doctors also consider a person’s overall health, neurological function and tumor features when planning care. For some people, nearby or related conditions, such as hydrocephalus, may also need to be evaluated if the tumor affects normal fluid flow in the brain.

Diagnosing glioblastoma usually begins with a neurological exam and imaging studies. MRI is often the main imaging test because it provides detailed pictures of the brain and helps doctors understand the tumor’s size, location and relationship to important brain structures.

Additional diagnostic steps may include CT scans, advanced MRI techniques, functional mapping, surgical biopsy or tumor removal to confirm the diagnosis under a microscope. Pathology and molecular testing help determine the tumor type and features that may influence treatment. When the tumor is near areas that control speech or movement, preoperative planning may include brain mapping to protect critical function.

At Baptist Health, patients with suspected brain tumors may be evaluated by neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology and rehabilitation specialists. This team approach supports safe planning for procedures such as radiosurgery, skull base surgery or surgery for related tumors such as meningioma.

Glioblastoma treatment is personalized. The care plan depends on the tumor’s location, size, molecular features, symptoms, overall health and personal goals. Treatment often combines several approaches.

Surgery is commonly used to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible and to obtain tissue for diagnosis. Because glioblastoma can grow into nearby brain tissue, surgery is usually followed by additional treatment, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Some patients may be candidates for focused radiation approaches, including radiosurgery, depending on tumor features and the overall plan.

Other treatment considerations may include:

• Medicines to reduce swelling or control seizures
• Rehabilitation to support strength, speech, balance or daily function
• Tumor treating fields or other device-based therapies when appropriate
• Clinical trials or research-based treatment options
• Palliative and supportive care to improve comfort and quality of life

Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care works closely with specialists at Baptist Health Cancer Care to coordinate treatment for central nervous system tumors. When tumors involve complex areas of the brain or skull base, care may include advanced procedures such as skull base surgery or minimally invasive approaches when appropriate.

Glioblastomas can cause complications because they may grow quickly, increase pressure in the brain or affect areas that control important functions. Complications may come from the tumor itself or from treatment.

Possible complications include seizures, swelling in the brain, weakness, speech or vision problems, memory changes, difficulty walking, fatigue and changes in mood or personality. Some people may develop fluid buildup or pressure-related problems, including hydrocephalus, if the tumor disrupts normal cerebrospinal fluid pathways.

Your care team will monitor for complications during and after treatment. Supportive therapies, medications, rehabilitation and follow-up imaging can help manage symptoms and preserve function when possible.

There is no known way to prevent most glioblastomas. Because most cases occur without a clear cause, prevention focuses on recognizing symptoms early, seeking evaluation and following recommended care after diagnosis.

People who have had radiation to the head or who have a rare inherited tumor syndrome should discuss their risk with a healthcare professional. For most people, the best step is to seek medical attention for new neurological symptoms, especially new seizures, progressive weakness, worsening headaches or sudden changes in speech, vision or thinking.

If you or a loved one has symptoms of glioblastoma or has received an abnormal brain imaging result, the next step is a prompt evaluation by a specialized brain tumor team. Bring prior MRI or CT images, pathology reports, medication lists and any notes about symptom changes to your appointment.

Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care can help coordinate diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up care for glioblastoma and related tumors. Your team will explain your options, answer questions and guide you through each stage of care.

To schedule a visit with a Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care provider, fill out an appointment request form or call 833-596-3876.