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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Translational Orthotopic Models of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Published on: February 17, 2023
Tectal glioblastoma
Feres Chaddad Neto1, Armando Lopes, Mario Alberto Filho
1Instituto de Ciências Neurológicas, Praça Amadeu Amaral 27, São Paulo, Brazil. fereschaddad@hotmail.com
Insights
Tectal plate gliomas are rare brain stem tumors. This case highlights a glioblastoma in this location, emphasizing the need for biopsy and tailored treatment in adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Brain Stem Gliomas
Background:
- Brain stem gliomas are diverse tumors, predominantly affecting children.
- Tectal plate gliomas typically follow an indolent course, causing hydrocephalus.
- High-grade lesions in this location are uncommon but have significant treatment implications.
Observation:
- A rare case of glioblastoma of the tectal plate was identified.
- The patient was a 22-year-old woman.
- The tumor was surgically treated via a supracerebellar-infratentorial approach.
Findings:
- Malignant tectal plate gliomas necessitate histological confirmation via biopsy.
- Treatment strategies for these rare tumors must be individualized.
- Surgical intervention using a supracerebellar-infratentorial approach is feasible.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering high-grade gliomas in adults presenting with tectal plate lesions.
- Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment are crucial for managing rare brain stem tumors.
- Further research into the optimal management of adult tectal plate glioblastomas is warranted.
Abstract:
Brain stem gliomas are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms arising mostly in paediatric patients. Tectal plate gliomas represent a particular type of brain stem tumours usually with a benign, indolent clinical course, presenting with signs of raised intracranial hypertension due to supra-tentorialhydrocephalous caused by aqueductal stenosis. Seldom high-grade lesions arise in this location with tremendous therapeutic implications. When a malignant tumour is clinically and radiographically suspected a biopsy should be performed to obtain histological confirmation. Treatment is then planned in a case-by-case basis. We present the case of a glioblastoma of the tectal plate in a 22 years-old woman operated upon by a supracerebellar-infratentorial approach.
