Which tumor is described as the most malignant variety of astrocytoma and tends to spread rapidly within the brain?

Prepare for the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes insights and explanations to help you excel. Get ready for your certification journey!

Multiple Choice

Which tumor is described as the most malignant variety of astrocytoma and tends to spread rapidly within the brain?

The most malignant astrocytic tumor is glioblastoma multiforme, a WHO grade IV astrocytoma. It grows very quickly and invades surrounding brain tissue extensively, making complete surgical removal difficult. Its hallmark histology includes necrosis with regions of pseudopalisading tumor cells and prominent vascular proliferation, reflecting its aggressive nature. Because it infiltrates widely within the brain, it tends to spread locally rather than metastasize outside the CNS, leading to a rapidly progressive course and poor prognosis even with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In contrast, lower-grade astrocytomas grow more slowly, oligodendrogliomas have different imaging and histologic features and often a different prognosis, and meningiomas arise from the meninges rather than astrocytes, usually with a different, often less aggressive behavior.

The most malignant astrocytic tumor is glioblastoma multiforme, a WHO grade IV astrocytoma. It grows very quickly and invades surrounding brain tissue extensively, making complete surgical removal difficult. Its hallmark histology includes necrosis with regions of pseudopalisading tumor cells and prominent vascular proliferation, reflecting its aggressive nature. Because it infiltrates widely within the brain, it tends to spread locally rather than metastasize outside the CNS, leading to a rapidly progressive course and poor prognosis even with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In contrast, lower-grade astrocytomas grow more slowly, oligodendrogliomas have different imaging and histologic features and often a different prognosis, and meningiomas arise from the meninges rather than astrocytes, usually with a different, often less aggressive behavior.

More practice questions