Glioblastoma Specialist

What is glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is a type of cancer that grows in the brain or spinal cord. This cancer develops from astrocytes, which are cells that support your nerve cells. 

Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer that grows quickly in the brain tissue but rarely spreads to other organs. It affects people of all ages but is more common in older adults. 

Glioblastoma is deadly, typically resulting in death within six months. Dr. Valerio is a leading, fellowship-trained neurosurgical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Taking a patient-centered approach to care, he combines mindful attention with the most advanced treatment options so patients get the best possible outcomes. 

What are the symptoms of glioblastoma?

Symptoms of glioblastoma vary depending on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Personality changes
• Difficulty with thinking or concentrating
• Seizures
• Gradual change in speech

When experiencing these symptoms, you may undergo various tests to determine the cause. To diagnose glioblastoma, Dr. Valerio may order a neurological exam and imaging tests. If brain tumors are found, you need a biopsy of the tumor to determine its type and aggressiveness. 

What are the treatments for glioblastoma?

Dr. Valerio offers many treatment options for glioblastoma, including:

5-ALA

5-ALA is a substance you ingest that highlights the glioblastoma. Dr. Valerio uses this substance when performing brain surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

Navigation neurosurgery

During navigation neurosurgery, Dr. Valerio uses imaging technology to help him find and remove the glioblastoma during your surgery without prolonging your operation.

Intraoperative CT

A CT scan is a type of X-ray that produces detailed images of your body and organs. Dr. Valerio uses intraoperative CT when removing glioblastomas to improve outcomes. 

Gamma knife

Gamma knife, or stereotactic radiosurgery, is a type of radiation that treats brain tumors like glioblastoma, without incisions.

Optune® 

Optune is a portable FDA-approved treatment for glioblastoma. It uses electric fields to disrupt the division and replication of the cancerous cells. 

Virtual reality

Dr. Valerio provides virtual reality treatments for his patients. This treatment improves cognitive impairments that people with this type of cancer experience. 

Clinical trials

Always looking for new treatment options, Dr. Valerio participates in clinical trials for glioblastoma.

When it comes to glioblastoma, you want to know all your treatment options. For expert care from a leading neurosurgical oncologist, call the office of Jose Valerio MD or schedule an appointment online today.