Multicentric glioma: our experience in 25 patients and critical review of the literature

Neurosurg Rev. 2003 Oct;26(4):275-9. doi: 10.1007/s10143-003-0276-7. Epub 2003 Jul 26.

Abstract

Multicentric gliomas are interesting and well-recognised entities with a yet unknown rate of occurrence. Single cases or small series are reported in the literature accessible to us, and we think this is the first large series describing true multicentric gliomas. We reviewed 25 patients selected according to the criteria defined by Batzdorf and Malamud. Multicentricity was found in 2% of patients with malignant gliomas. Longer survival was observed in patients who underwent surgical excision of the multicentric lesions. Multicentric tumours are rare clinical entities. Our data suggest that they should be surgically removed whenever possible, and histopathologic examination of the lesions is always advisable if they are located in sites inaccessible to surgery. Stereotactic biopsy represents a safe and satisfactory method for achieving sure diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Female
  • Glioma / diagnosis*
  • Glioma / mortality
  • Glioma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / mortality
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / therapy*
  • Survival Rate