Gliomatosis cerebri
Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare primary brain tumour, which according to WHO classification belongs to glial tumours of unknown origin. It is characterised by a diffuse infiltration of neoplastic-, astrocytic- and oligodendroglial cells into surrounding tissue. The diagnosis of Gliomatosis cerebri implies that at
least 3 lobes are affected.
Histology of Gliomatosis cerebri
- often low malignancy of cells
- because of the special growth pattern it is classified as WHO grade III
Epidemiology of Gliomatosis cerebri
- usually in median and high adult age
- can also occur in children
Symptoms of Gliomatosis cerebri
- nonspecific, depending on localisation of tumour
- headache and epileptic seizures
- frequently mental changes (behaviour disorder or disturbance of memory)
Diagnosing Gliomatosis cerebri
- with CT and/or MRI
- rarely contrast agent enhancement
- diagnostic confirmation with biopsy
- specific, extensive infiltration of brain tissue
- in at least three lobes
- can affect entire CNS
Therapy of Gliomatosis cerebri
- no established standard therapy because of tumours rarity
- in individual cases in asymptomatic patients with confirmed diagnosis the tumour can be oberserved for a certain time
- in case of relevant symptoms or significant tumour growth treatment is necessary
- chemotherapy (e.g. PCV scheme or temozolomide)
- stereotactic radiotherapy or whole brain radiation therapy
Course of Gliomatosis cerebri
-
growth depends on WHO grade
Prognosis of Gliomatosis cerebri
- depending on patient´s condition, histology and WHO grade
- if radio- and chemotherapy improve prognosis has not been investigated prospectively
- there are indications for the effectiveness of both therapies
