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gliosarcoma
Description
What is Gliosarcoma?
Gliosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer that grows in the brain and spinal cord. It is a subtype of glioblastoma, which is a malignant tumor that originates from glial cells.
- Biphasic Growth Pattern: Gliosarcoma is characterized by a biphasic growth pattern, consisting of both glial and sarcomatous components [2][5].
- Rare Type of Cancer: Gliosarcoma is a rare type of cancer, accounting for approximately 2% of all glioblastomas [15].
- Aggressive Nature: Gliosarcoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer with poor prognosis and equally poor outcomes compared to other types of glioblastoma [7].
Classification
Gliosarcoma is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a variant of glioblastoma, exhibiting biphasic histologic and immunophenotypic features reflecting both glial and mesenchymal differentiation [14]. It can be further classified into primary (de novo) tumors and secondary gliosarcomas.
Demographics
Gliosarcoma predominantly affects middle-aged Caucasian men, with a median age of 61-63 years old [11][12].
Symptoms
The symptoms of gliosarcoma may start to appear as an adult, but the exact age range can vary depending on the individual case. The symptoms may include headaches, seizures, and difficulty with motor functions [1].
Additional Characteristics
- Gliosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer.
- It grows in the brain and spinal cord and is a subtype of glioblastoma.
- The cancer has a biphasic growth pattern, consisting of both glial and sarcomatous components.
- Gliosarcoma accounts for approximately 2% of all glioblastomas.
- It is an aggressive form of brain cancer with poor prognosis and outcomes compared to other types of glioblastoma.
- Gliosarcoma predominantly affects middle-aged Caucasian men, with a median age of 61-63 years old.
- The symptoms may include headaches, seizures, and difficulty with motor functions.
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic Tests for Gliosarcoma
Gliosarcoma, a rare type of brain tumor, requires accurate diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. The following diagnostic tests are commonly used to diagnose gliosarcoma:
- Imaging tests: These include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan), which use computers to create detailed images of the brain [5, 6]. MRI is often used as it provides better pictures of soft tissues like tumors.
- Biopsy: A surgical biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis by extracting a small sample of abnormal cells for testing in a pathology laboratory [14].
- Neuro exam: An exam that evaluates a person's coordination, mental health, muscle function, senses, and reflexes can also help diagnose gliosarcoma [11].
Additional Diagnostic Tests
Other diagnostic tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. These include:
- DNA copy number changes analysis: This test uses a cytogenomic DNA copy number microarray (OncoScan) to analyze DNA copy number changes in gliosarcoma [8].
- Molecular biomarker testing: This test is used to diagnose diffuse gliomas and may be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests [9].
References
[5] Scans of the brain: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT or CAT scan), which use computers to create detailed images of the brain, are ... [6] Mar 7, 2023 — Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without contrast is the study of choice for the evaluation and diagnosis of glioblastoma (see the ... [8] by L Lowder · 2019 · Cited by 26 — We report a comprehensive analysis of DNA copy number changes in gliosarcoma using a cytogenomic DNA copy number (CN) microarray (OncoScan). [9] The evidence-based clinical practice guideline, “Molecular Biomarker Testing for the Diagnosis of Diffuse Gliomas,” informs an integrated diagnoses. [11] An exam that uses tests and questions to check a patient's spinal cord, brain, and nerve function. The exam (also called a neuro exam or a neurologic exam) evaluates a person's coordination and mental health. Neuro exams also can tell us how well your muscles, senses, and reflexes work. [14] A surgical biopsy may be performed to help confirm the diagnosis. In this procedure, a neurosurgeon extracts a small sample of abnormal cells to test in a pathology laboratory. The main clue to a tumor’s being glioblastoma multiforme is the cell necrosis, or cell death, that is characteristic of GBM.
Treatment
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnoses of Gliosarcoma
Gliosarcoma, a rare and aggressive brain tumor, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance with other types of tumors. The differential diagnoses for gliosarcoma include:
- Glioblastoma: A primary brain tumor that is often difficult to distinguish from gliosarcoma based on imaging alone [2]. Presence of dural invasion favors gliosarcoma.
- Malignant meningioma: A type of brain tumor that arises from the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The differential diagnosis between gliosarcoma and malignant meningioma is based on clinical history and histologic findings [4].
- Metastatic breast carcinoma: In some cases, gliosarcoma can be mistaken for metastatic breast cancer due to its similar appearance under a microscope [4].
- Astrocytoma: A type of brain tumor that arises from astrocytes, which are a type of glial cell. Astrocytomas can be differentiated from gliosarcomas based on histologic findings and clinical presentation [9].
- Intracranial hemorrhage: Gliosarcoma can sometimes be mistaken for intracranial hemorrhage due to its similar appearance on imaging studies [9].
- Oligodendroglioma: A type of brain tumor that arises from oligodendrocytes, which are a type of glial cell. Oligodendrogliomas can be differentiated from gliosarcomas based on histologic findings and clinical presentation [9].
- Primary CNS lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that affects the central nervous system. Primary CNS lymphoma can be differentiated from gliosarcoma based on histologic findings and clinical presentation [9].
References:
[1] Gliosarcoma is a primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor, which means it begins in the brain or spinal cord.
[2] Glioblastoma: Based on imaging alone, it can be difficult to distinguish a glioblastoma from a gliosarcoma.
[3] Malignant meningioma: A type of brain tumor that arises from the meninges.
[4] Metastatic breast carcinoma: In some cases, gliosarcoma can be mistaken for metastatic breast cancer due to its similar appearance under a microscope.
[5] Astrocytoma: A type of brain tumor that arises from astrocytes.
[6] Intracranial hemorrhage: Gliosarcoma can sometimes be mistaken for intracranial hemorrhage due to its similar appearance on imaging studies.
[7] Oligodendroglioma: A type of brain tumor that arises from oligodendrocytes.
[8] Primary CNS lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that affects the central nervous system.
Additional Differential Diagnoses
Additional Information
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- A gliomablastoma that is characterized by a biphasic tissue pattern with alternating areas displaying glial and mesenchymal differentiation.
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