Gliosarcoma is a rare type of cancerous tumor that develops in the central nervous system (CNS). It grows in the brain or spinal cord and can affect functions such as movement and memory.
Tumors that grow in this part of the body can be difficult to remove and may require aggressive treatment. Individuals living with gliosarcoma may need end-of-life care or support.
This article discusses further details of gliosarcoma, including symptoms, causes, and different types of treatment.
Gliosarcoma is a
Glioblastomas make up 48% of all primary CNS tumors, affecting just over
Gliosarcomas develop in glial cells that are found in the brain. The tumors have portions that resemble a type of brain cell known as astrocytes, while other parts resemble connective tissue cells known as sarcomas.
Gliosarcomas are always stage 4, meaning they are cancerous and fast-growing. There are two types of gliosarcomas: primary and secondary.
Primary means that a person first receives a diagnosis after surgery or biopsy. Secondary means that a person develops gliosarcoma from a preexisting brain tumor, often after radiation therapy.
The cause of most gliosarcoma cases is not known.
That said, mutations or variations in genes can lead to excessive production of cells. Sometimes these genetic changes can pass down in families. A person is more likely to develop gliosarcoma if certain members of their family have had it.
Although age and sex are not causes of gliosarcoma, it is more likely to affect individuals between
Certain syndromes are risk factors for gliosarcoma, including:
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Turcot syndrome
- neurofibromatosis type 1
Exposure to certain types of radiation, particularly radiation therapy for other cancers, can also lead to a person developing a gliosarcoma.
Symptoms of gliosarcoma can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, as it may affect different parts of the brain or CNS.
Possible symptoms include:
- seizures
- headaches
- muscle weakness
- numbness
- difficulty thinking or remembering
- difficulty with balance or movement
Diagnosing gliosarcoma involves clinical observation, imaging tests, and biopsy.
If a person presents with symptoms suggestive of gliosarcoma or they show risk factors in their medical history, a doctor will order imaging tests to confirm the presence of a tumor.
Imaging tests may include:
Gliosarcomas have certain characteristics that help a doctor distinguish them from other types of tumors. They usually appear as a single tumor with undefined, uneven edges. These tumors will usually appear bright with imaging contrast, and parts of the tumor may appear to be dead, bleeding, or fluid-filled.
To definitively diagnose gliosarcoma, a surgical team will need to take a tissue biopsy for an expert to assess.
The primary treatment for gliosarcoma is surgery. If possible, a surgical team will attempt to remove as much of the tumor as possible. However, depending on the position of the tumor, this can be dangerous as it may worsen symptoms or damage important parts of the brain or spinal cord.
In most cases, a surgeon will only be able to remove some of the tumor, leaving some of it behind. This means that
Possible treatments include:
Learn more about treatment options.
Gliosarcoma is an
Gliosarcomas can spread to other parts of the CNS through cerebrospinal fluid, which flows through the hollow spaces in the brain and spinal cord.
Distant metastasis is when cancer spreads to distant parts of the body. It is not common in gliosarcoma. However, in rare cases, it can spread to areas such as the lungs, liver, and skull.
The outlook for gliosarcoma tends
- a person’s age and overall health
- tumor size and location
- whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body
- response to surgery and treatment
A person with gliosarcoma should talk with an oncologist about their individual outlook.
Living with brain cancer is incredibly challenging, and having support from people who understand can make a big difference.
The American Brain Tumor Association has a search function to look for nearby support groups for those living with brain cancer and their caregivers.
Individuals living with gliosarcoma may need end-of-life care or support. This may involve hospice care or learning what to expect at the end of life. The
Gliosarcoma is a rare type of glioblastoma.
The difference between the two tumors is the type of cells that make them up. While gliosarcomas have a mix of cells that resemble both glial cells and sarcoma cells, glioblastomas contain only glial cells.
This difference means that gliosarcomas show two distinct types of cells with different shapes and characteristics, while glioblastomas follow a more uniform pattern of glial cells.
Read about glioblastoma.
Gliosarcoma is a rare type of glioblastoma, an aggressive CNS tumor that grows in the brain and spinal cord. This type of cancer can cause symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and difficulty with movement.
In most cases, a surgical team will try to remove as much of the tumor as possible. After surgery, most people will have further treatment to shrink the tumor.
Gliosarcoma grows and spreads quickly and can be difficult to treat.