Overview
Definition
Most aggressive and common primary malignant brain tumor.
Epidemiology
Highest incidence in adults > 50 years. Very poor prognosis.
Etiology & Risk Factors
- Mostly de novo
- Prior radiation
- Genetic syndromes (Li-Fraumeni)
Clinical Symptoms
- Headache (worse in morning)
- Seizures
- Focal neurologic deficits
- Personality changes
Clinical Approach
Diagnosis
- MRI Brain with contrast (ring-enhancing lesion with central necrosis crossing corpus callosum - butterfly glioma)
Management
- Maximal safe surgical resection
- Radiation therapy
- Temozolomide chemotherapy
Complications
- Cerebral edema
- Herniation
- Death (median survival 15 months)