Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) is a specific growth pattern of a glial tumor that affects multiple sections of the brain. This tumor originates in the central nervous system (CNS), comprising both the brain and spinal cord. While GC is no longer considered a distinct diagnosis, it remains a significant pattern of growth within gliomas, which are tumors developing in glial cells of the CNS.
The precise etiology of GC remains unknown, as it is a type of cancer resulting from genetic alterations that lead to the formation of cancerous cells. While the exact risk factors for gliomas are not fully understood, exposure to radiation, hereditary gene mutations, and certain syndromes have been implicated in their development. GC is more prevalent in males than females and typically affects older adults, although individuals of any age can be impacted.
According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of CNS tumors, GC is classified as a subtype of diffuse gliomas. This categorization defines GC as the involvement of more than two lobes of the brain on an MRI scan without significant contrast enhancement. The grading of a primary CNS tumor, determined by a neuropathologist through biopsy analysis, dictates the grade of GC. Grades range from low-grade slow-growing tumors (Grade 2) to high-grade fast-growing tumors with greater treatment resistance (Grade 3 and 4).
Symptoms of GC can vary depending on the individual’s age and the tumor location, but common signs include cognitive changes, headaches, seizures, and motor dysfunction. Doctors primarily use MRI scans to identify GC, which typically involves three or more lobes of the brain. The imaging scans classify GC into two types based on the tumor appearance.
The primary treatment for GC involves surgery to remove as much tumor tissue as possible, though the diffuse nature of GC often complicates complete resection. Following surgery, treatment strategies may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. Radiation therapy may be particularly effective against GC, although the extensive brain involvement poses risks to healthy tissue.
Data from a recent decade-long study indicates a five-year relative survival rate of 16.5% for GC. Several factors influence the outlook, such as tumor grade, treatment response, the individual’s age and overall health. While GC can spread rapidly through the CNS, favorable outcomes have been reported in some cases based on specific molecular markers identified in the tumors.
Research into the genetic mechanisms and origins of GC is still limited, highlighting the need for further studies to improve disease understanding and therapeutic approaches. As GC is no longer an independent diagnosis but a growth pattern within gliomas, ongoing research endeavors aim to advance treatment strategies and enhance patient outcomes.
Gliomatosis cerebri represents a complex and challenging entity within the spectrum of CNS tumors. Through a multidisciplinary approach involving precise diagnostic techniques, targeted treatments, and ongoing research efforts, the medical community strives to refine the management of GC and ultimately improve patient prognoses.