This image is of a glioblastoma multiforme in a fifteen year old boy's brain. These tumors are grade four astrocytomas. They are the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumors. They make up 52% of all brain tumors. These types of tumors have a survival rate of about five years. This is a very low survival rate, and usually only occurs in patients that receive treatment. This treatment can consist of surgery, radiation treatments, steroids, or chemotherapy. After seeing the tumor on a CT or MRI scan the tumor can be diagnosed by either stereotactic biopsy or craniotomy. If diagnosed during craniotomy a partial resection of the tumor can also be done then. These tumors can cause seizures, nausea, vomiting, headaches, hemiparesis, or progressive memory, personality, or neurological deficits.(Editors Encyclopedia Wikipedia Online, last modified Jan. 2008) I have seen glioblastomas on MRI of the brains several times in my work and clinical environment. From my experience it is the most common brain tumor I have seen.
Editors Encyclopedia Wikipedia Online. (modified Jan. 2008) Glioblastoma Multiforme.Wikimedia Online. Retrieved Jan. 20, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glioblastoma_multiforme
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