Glioblastoma

Overview

A healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and perform a neurological exam. If they suspect you may have a brain tumor, you may have these tests:

MRI or CT scan to look for brain tumors.
Biopsy to obtain a sample from a tumor and examine the tissue for cancer cells.

What are the grades of glioblastoma?

Healthcare providers use a grading system from I (1) to IV (4) to indicate brain tumor behavior. Grade I brain tumors grow slowly and are the least aggressive. Grade IV tumors grow rapidly and are more aggressive.

Glioblastoma tumors are grade IV by definition. Glioblastoma can be either primary or secondary. Primary GBM develops directly from glial cells. On the contrary, occasionally, grade I glial tumors can progress to become GBMs — this is called secondary GBM.

Products & Services

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.