Abstract
We reported on an autopsy case of glioblastoma multiforme which metastasized widely to the scalp, pericranium, cervical lymph nodes, spinal cord and cauda equina. Fifty-three cases of extracranial metastasis in the world including our case were analyzed. Forty- two cases were males and 11 females. The highest incidence was in the fifth decade. Only two cases had no operative intervention in their history. Metastases were found in the lymph nodes (26%), lungs (22%), bone (19%), liver (9%), operative flap (8%) and dural venous system (3%). We discussed the five modes of metastasizing route from the primary brain tumor to the extracranial region. We emphasized that in the case of glioblastoma multiforme operated or to be operated upon, systemic treatment was necessary in addition to the local application of chemotherapeutic agents by infusion and/or irradiation. We discussed about the immunological problem of glioma in our case, considering the extremely rapid growth of the metastatic tumors ensuing from the operative removal of a large part of the primary tumor and its extracranial cervical extention.
