Master Glioblastoma Multiforme with Picmonic for Medicine

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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 malignant primary lesion of the brain. . Among malignant brain tumors, glioblastomas have the worst 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.

8 KEY FACTS

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. It is most commonly seen in older adults with a peak incidence between ages 75-84. The most common primary brain tumors are meningiomas, and the most common cancers in the brain overall are metastases.

This tumor originates from astrocytes. It is the most aggressive and has the poorest clinical outcome of all astrocytomas, classifying it as a Grade 4 astrocytoma.

This tumor tends to present in the cerebral hemispheres and can cross the corpus callosum.

This tumor is also known as a butterfly glioma due to its ability to cross the corpus callosum in a butterfly pattern. This can be visualized on MR imaging of the head.

Anaplastic tumor cells tend to be seen bordering areas of central necrosis in glioblastoma. These are known as pseudo-palisading tumor cells.

Glioblastoma is known for its alternating areas of necrosis and hemorrhage, which can be seen histologically as well as in its gross appearance. The rapid growth of this tumor means it quickly outgrows its blood supply, resulting in necrosis and hemorrhage throughout the area of the tumor.

This tumor originates from astrocytes, thus it can be identified through special staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein.

This tumor is very fast-growing and infiltrative. It has a poor prognosis of around 1 year after diagnosis with treatment.

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