Master Glioblastoma Multiforme with Picmonic for Medicine

Glioblastoma multiforme is a malignant, fast-growing tumor of glial cells. It is considered to be an infiltrative tumor of astrocytes, classified as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. It is the most common type of glial tumors, which are the most common primary brain tumors. Glioblastoma multiforme is also the most malignant primary brain tumor with a grave prognosis. Survival is typically less than one year after diagnosis. This tumor tends to present in the cerebral hemispheres and is known as a butterfly glioma due to its ability to cross the corpus callosum in a pattern resembling a butterfly. Histologically and grossly, this tumor is characterized by its alternating areas of necrosis and hemorrhage. Anaplastic tumor cells may be seen bordering an area of central necrosis known as pseudo-palisading tumor cells. Since this tumor is derived from glial cells, it stains positive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in immunohistochemical studies.