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glioblastoma multiforme
Pronunciation: glee-oh-blas-TOH-mah mul-ti-FOR-may
Aggressive primary brain tumor originating from glial cells, representing the most malignant form of glioma.
Full Definition
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and infiltrative primary brain tumor that arises from astrocytes, a type of glial cell. It is classified as a Grade IV astrocytoma according to WHO grading systems and represents the most common and lethal primary brain tumor in adults. The term 'multiforme' refers to the tumor's heterogeneous appearance under microscopic examination. GBM carries a poor prognosis despite multimodal treatment approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as GBM in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Histopathology confirmed glioblastoma multiforme with typical pseudopalisading necrosis." — pathology report
- "The patient's glioblastoma multiforme showed minimal response to standard chemoradiation." — oncology consultation
Also known as
GBM
Grade IV astrocytoma
Contrasted with
low-grade glioma
benign tumor
Don't confuse with
glioma
astrocytoma
oligodendroglioma