What is a grade 4 brain tumor? Grade 4 brain tumor or glioblastoma is one of the malignant and fast-growing brain tumors that originates from nerve supporting cells (astrocytes). This tumor can involve the healthy tissues of the brain and disturb the nerve function. There is no definitive cure yet, but surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can slow tumor growth and improve patients' quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper management play an important role in increasing life expectancy. Common symptoms of grade 4 brain tumor
The symptoms of this tumor depend on its location and size. The most common ones include persistent headache, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, seizures, muscle weakness, and behavioral or personality changes. These symptoms usually appear gradually and intensify with tumor growth. Paying attention to small changes in physical or cognitive function can help to diagnose faster and start effective treatment and prevent the rapid progress of the disease. ### Causes of brain tumor grade 4
The exact cause of this tumor is not yet known, but genetic factors, family history of cancer, exposure to radioactive radiation, and some environmental factors can increase the risk. Genetic changes in brain cells cause their uncontrollable growth. Identifying high-risk individuals allows for early diagnosis and targeted and effective planning of grade 4 brain tumor treatment. ### Diagnosis and imaging methods
Diagnosis is done with MRI or CT scan to determine the location, size and characteristics of the tumor. In some cases, sampling of tumor tissue is necessary to determine the type of cells and the degree of malignancy. This information helps doctors choose the best treatment, including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Also, careful investigations can differentiate between glioblastoma and **metastatic brain tumor**. Grade 4 brain tumor treatment without surgery
In some situations, it is not possible to completely remove the cancerous mass through surgery. In these cases, doctors use complementary methods to control growth and improve patients' quality of life. These approaches can directly affect cancer cells or strengthen the body's immune system. Although it is difficult to completely treat **malignant brain tumor** at this stage, by using drug techniques, radiation therapy and targeted treatment of grade 4 brain tumor, the longevity and quality of life of patients can be improved. ### drug therapy and chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the main treatment methods for advanced brain tumors. Medicines such as temozolomide are usually prescribed along with radiation therapy and help to slow down the growth of cancer cells. The advantage of this method is its ability to affect hidden cells that cannot be surgically removed. Of course, it should be noted that chemotherapy can cause side effects such as nausea, general weakness and hair loss, which can be controlled with proper medical management. ### Radiation therapy and radiotherapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and prevent them from dividing unnecessarily. In cases where the tumor is large or inoperable, this method can help reduce the size of the mass and relieve symptoms. Radiotherapy is used especially after chemotherapy or in combination with it, and depending on the patient's condition, it is performed externally or internally (brachytherapy). ### Targeted treatments and immunotherapy
Targeted therapies identify and block specific molecular pathways that contribute to tumor growth. Drugs such as Bevacizumab are used to inhibit angiogenesis in tumor cells. On the other hand, immunotherapy helps strengthen the body's immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Recent research has shown that these methods can provide more promising results when combined with standard treatments. Surgical treatment of grade 4 brain tumor
Surgical treatment is still the most effective way to remove the largest possible volume of the cancerous mass. Surgery is usually the first choice if it is possible to remove the tumor and it can reduce the symptoms of pressure on the brain. The choice of the type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor, the condition of the patient and access to modern technologies. Sometimes together with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also used to complete the treatment of grade 4 brain tumor in order to reduce the possibility of recurrence of the disease. ### Craniotomy and tumor removal
Craniotomy is the most common surgical procedure for brain tumors. In this procedure, the surgeon removes part of the skull to gain access to the brain tissue and remove as much of the cancerous mass as possible. The main goal is to reduce intracranial pressure and improve the patient's neurological function. According to an article published in Neurosurgical Review: "Maximum tumor resection in glioblastoma can significantly increase the average survival, even if additional treatments are used."
### Minimally invasive and laser surgery
In recent years, minimally invasive surgeries such as stereotactic laser ablation have been introduced, which destroy cancer cells with the help of laser waves. These methods do not require extensive incisions and focus on specific areas of the brain with high precision. Reduced recovery time, less pain and lower risk are the main advantages of these techniques. Of course, these methods are not suitable for all patients and are chosen by the medical team depending on the location of the tumor and the individual's condition. **Summary**
A multifaceted approach is necessary for the treatment of grade 4 brain tumor. Choosing the best treatment path should be based on the individual conditions of the patient, the type of tumor and the recommendations of the expert team. Recent advances in the field of immunotherapy and minimally invasive surgeries have provided new hopes for patients. In this direction, benefiting from the experience of experienced doctors plays a key role. Dr. Yazdan Panahi, with a brilliant history in the field of neurosurgery, is one of the specialists who can accompany patients and families in this difficult but hopeful path. If you want to receive advice from Dr. Yazdan Panahi, contact the numbers listed on the site.
