Glioblastoma multiforme synonyms:
Glioblastoma multiforme, also known as GBM, is a highly aggressive and malignant brain tumor that originates from glial cells in the brain. It is the most common and deadliest form of primary brain cancer in adults. GBM is characterized by its infiltrative growth pattern, rapid progression, and resistance to treatment.
Although GBM is the most commonly used term to describe this type of brain tumor, there are several synonyms that are often used interchangeably:
- Grade IV astrocytoma: GBM is classified as a grade IV astrocytoma, indicating its high level of malignancy. Astrocytomas are tumors that arise from astrocytes, a type of glial cell in the brain.
- Diffuse glioma: GBM is considered a diffuse glioma because it infiltrates the surrounding brain tissue, making it difficult to completely remove through surgery.
- Malignant glioma: This term is used to emphasize the aggressive and malignant nature of GBM. It distinguishes GBM from lower-grade gliomas, which have a slower growth rate and better prognosis.
- Primary brain tumor: GBM is a primary brain tumor, meaning it originates in the brain rather than spreading from another part of the body.
- Brain cancer: GBM is a type of brain cancer that specifically arises from glial cells. It is important to note that not all brain tumors are glioblastomas, as there are other types of brain tumors that originate from different cell types.
These synonyms are often used in medical literature, research papers, and clinical discussions to refer to glioblastoma multiforme. They all describe the same aggressive and malignant brain tumor that poses significant challenges in terms of treatment and prognosis.