Extracranial metastases of glioblastoma multiforme confirmed by electron microscopy

A case of glioblastoma multiforme which metastasized to the pleura and the lymph nodes of the neck is described. The metastases were detected during the life of the patient. The glial nature of the metastases was confirmed by electronmicriscopic demonstration of typical 90-100 angstrom wide glial fibrils occupying the tumor cell cytoplasm. Electronmicroscopy is recommended to prove the astrocytic nature of a metastatic glioblastoma multiforme. A review of the literature of histologically documented extracranial metastases of glioblastoma multiforme reveals an increase in frequency in recent years. Increased efforts at detection and documentation or an increase in occurrence caused by new methods of treatment are the two possible explanations for this trend.