Glioblastoma is a rapidly growing, aggressive brain tumor originating from astrocytes, supportive cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults. This cancer grows quickly, invading and destroying surrounding healthy brain tissue. Recognizing signs of worsening is important for managing care and adjusting treatment.
Common Indicators of Progression
Signs of glioblastoma progression often involve changes in daily comfort and well-being. Headaches can become more frequent, severe, and less responsive to pain relievers. These headaches may also be more noticeable upon waking or worsen with activities like coughing or bending over.
Increased fatigue is another indicator, presenting as an overwhelming tiredness that affects energy levels. This can be physical and mental exhaustion, making even small tasks difficult. Subtle shifts in personality or mood, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or depression, may also occur. Some individuals might experience confusion or general malaise.
Evolving Neurological Changes
Neurological symptoms intensify or present in new ways as glioblastoma progresses. Seizures may change in type or frequency. New-onset seizures or worsening existing patterns signal tumor progression. Tumor growth can disrupt normal brain electrical activity, leading to these changes.
Motor deficits, such as weakness, numbness, or coordination issues, can become more pronounced. Muscle weakness in the face, arms, or legs might worsen, affecting balance and movement. Cognitive decline can deepen, manifesting as more severe memory loss, increased confusion, or greater difficulty concentrating. This decline can affect various cognitive functions, including attention, language, and executive functions. Speech difficulties may escalate, with worsening aphasia (problems understanding or expressing language) or dysarthria (slurred speech). These language and speech challenges often stem from the tumor’s impact on specific brain regions.
Effects on Daily Living
Glioblastoma progression significantly impacts a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks and maintain quality of life. Physical and cognitive decline often leads to increased dependence on others for daily activities. Self-care tasks, including dressing or eating, may become increasingly challenging.
Communication difficulties can become more pronounced, affecting interactions with family and friends. This can lead to changes in social interaction, as individuals may withdraw or find it harder to engage in conversations. Emotional distress, such as heightened anxiety, depression, or apathy, may increase due to the disease’s functional consequences. These challenges collectively diminish independence and can make previously normal activities overwhelming.
Consulting Your Healthcare Team
Communicating any observed changes or new symptoms to the healthcare team is important. Sharing specific details about symptoms, including their onset, frequency, severity, and how they impact daily life, provides valuable information. Noting when a new symptom started or if an existing one has become more intense helps the team understand the progression.
Healthcare providers rely on this information to assess the situation. They may recommend further evaluations, such as updated MRI scans, to confirm disease progression. Based on these findings, the medical team can adjust the care plan to address new challenges and optimize support.