Glioma vs. glioblastoma: What's the difference?

Answer Section

All glioblastomas are gliomas, but not all gliomas are glioblastomas.

Glioma is a broad term for tumors that start in glial cells, which support nerve cells in the brain. There are many types of gliomas. Glioblastoma is a specific type of glioma and is the most aggressive form. Glioblastoma is the most common malignant form of glioma. You also may see it referred to as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Which is more aggressive, glioma or glioblastoma?

Glioblastoma is more aggressive than other gliomas. Gliomas include tumors that range from low-grade, slow-growing tumors to high-grade, fast-growing tumors. Glioblastoma represents the most aggressive of the gliomas. This means it's the fastest growing.

Are glioma and glioblastoma malignant or benign?

Glioblastoma is always malignant. Other gliomas can be malignant or benign depending on their grades. Lower grade gliomas tend to grow more slowly, while higher grade gliomas are more aggressive.

Do glioma and glioblastoma cause different symptoms?

Many symptoms overlap, including headaches, seizures, and changes in thinking or movement. Symptoms from glioblastoma often appear more quickly because the tumor grows faster.

Are glioblastoma and glioma diagnosed differently?

The conditions are usually diagnosed the same way, using a brain MRI. Some people need a biopsy to confirm the tumor type and grade.

How does tumor grading differ between glioma and glioblastoma?

The tumors are graded using the same system, which ranges from grade 1, the slowest growing, to grade 4, the most aggressive and rapidly growing. Glioblastoma is always grade 4, while other gliomas may be grade 1, 2 or 3.

Will a low-grade glioma always become glioblastoma?

No. Some low-grade gliomas remain slow growing for many years. Others may change over time and become higher grade. However other gliomas never turn into glioblastomas. Glioblastomas are diagnosed from the onset and always remain glioblastomas. The risk of progression within other glioma types varies based on tumor biology and other factors.

How do survival expectations differ for glioma and glioblastoma?

Survival varies widely for all gliomas. People with lower grade gliomas often live longer than those with high-grade tumors. Glioblastoma tends to have shorter average survival rates, though survival is different for everyone.

How does treatment differ for glioma and glioblastoma?

Treatment depends on tumor grade and features. Glioblastoma is usually treated with brain tumor surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Other gliomas may be treated with surgery alone or combined approaches based on how the tumor behaves.