Publication
Extraneural spread of glioblastoma--report of two cases
Journal Paper/Review - Apr 1, 2008
Templeton Arnoud, Hofer Silvia, Toepfer Michael, Sommacal Andreas, Fretz Christian, Cerny Thomas, Gillessen Sommer Silke
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive tumor, accounts for the majority of all primary brain tumors in adults. Despite a destructive local growth pattern, extraneural spread of these tumors is extremely rare. CASE 1: We describe the case of a 58-year-old man with glioblastoma, in whom an epidural mass was diagnosed 5 months after initial local therapy of the brain. A positron emission tomography (PET) scan revealed multiple metastases in the lungs, in the retroperitoneum, and in the left trochanter minor region. A soft tissue swelling of the right thigh was histologically proven to be metastatic tissue from the primary glioblastoma. The patient died 11 months after initial diagnosis. CASE 2: A 47-year-old woman with recurrent glioblastoma had a long lasting complete response to chemotherapy. 2 years after initial diagnosis she presented with a pleural mass which was a metastasis of the formerly diagnosed glioblastoma. CONCLUSION: Although systemic metastases in glioblastoma are rare, different organs can be involved.