Gliosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer that often spreads to other parts of the body. Symptoms include headaches, seizures, vision problems, and personality changes. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, but the survival rate is generally poor. Radiation exposure may be a cause, so it is recommended to limit exposure. The size and location of the tumor can also affect the prognosis.
Gliosarcoma is a rare type of brain cancer that usually occurs in the temporal lobe. Like most cancers, it is characterized by the accumulation of mutated or diseased cells that clump together and form a mass or tumor. Of all brain tumors, gliosarcoma is one of the most feared because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body than similar types of cancer.
Men are more likely to get this type of cancer than women, with most sufferers in their 50s at the time of diagnosis. Many patients aren’t diagnosed until the cancer has progressed, although there are symptoms to watch out for. Indicators that a brain tumor may be present include headaches, seizures, vision problems, or personality changes. Sudden changes in mood can also be an indication of a tumor if a history of a mood disorder has not been noted. Symptoms can start mild and progress slowly.
Treatment options for gliosarcoma may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. If the tumor is present somewhere in the brain that is safe for surgery, the mass will likely be removed. After that, chemotherapy is often the first course of action. Chemotherapy uses various drugs and chemicals to kill cancer cells. There are many side effects of chemotherapy treatments and they can include nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Some research indicates that the disease is caused by radiation exposure. For this reason, it is recommended that you limit your radiation exposure to the lowest possible levels. This includes taking x-rays and other procedures. Those working in occupations that require radiation exposure should wear protective clothing at all times.
The general outlook for those diagnosed with gliosarcoma is not good. Although all brain tumors are potentially fatal, gliosarcoma has a high instance of spreading to other parts of the body. It generally moves through the blood and can infect lymph nodes, blood, liver and other vital organs. Once metastasis occurs, the cancer is usually very difficult to treat and is often less responsive to drugs. Any symptoms of a brain tumor should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately for this reason.
Other factors that can affect the survival rate of those with brain cancer include the size of the tumor and the location of the tumor. Sometimes the mass will be in an area of the brain that is too dangerous to operate on. In these cases the tumor is considered inoperable and treatment may not be helpful. There are medications that can help reduce bulk, but their effectiveness varies from patient to patient.
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