Clinical Cases Glioblastoma multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of glial tumor, which is the most common type of brain tumor. GBM is also the most malignant primary brain tumor and has a very poor prognosis, survival is typically less than one year after diagnosis (with treatment). It is also known as a butterfly glioma due to its typical presentation in the cerebral hemisphere and subsequent ability to cross the corpus callosum.

Image obtained from the Creative Commons database.

GBM is characterized both grossly and microscopically by anaplastic tumor cells bordering an area of central necrosis (pseudo palisading tumor cells). Because GBM originates from astrocytes it can be identified using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).