glio·blas·to·ma .glī-(.)ō-bla-'stō-mə n, pl -mas also -ma·ta -mət-ə a malignant rapidly growing astrocytoma of the central nervous system and usu. of a cerebral hemisphere called also spongioblastoma
* * *
n.
the most aggressive type of brain tumour derived from non-nervous (glial) tissue (see astrocytoma). Its rapid enlargement destroys normal brain cells, with a progressive loss of function, and raises intracranial pressure, causing headache, vomiting, and drowsiness. Treatment is never curative and the prognosis is poor.
* * *
glio·blas·to·ma (gli″o-blas-toґmə) [glio- + blastoma] the most malignant type of astrocytoma, classified as Grade IV, one of the most common primary tumors of the brain; it also occurs in the brainstem in children and occasionally in the spinal cord of an adult or child. It grows rapidly, is usually found in the cerebral hemispheres, and is composed of a mixture of spongioblasts, astroblasts, and astrocytes. Called also glioblastoma multiforґme and spongioblastoma multiforme. glioblastomatous adj
Glioblastoma. MRI demonstrates a large contrast-enhancing left temporal lesion with an irregular border as well as a central lucency suggesting an area of necrosis.
Medical dictionary. 2011.