A rapidly developing malignant tumour of the glial tissue in the brain or spinal cord.
A glioblastoma is a malignant astrocytoma, or brain tumor. A brain tumor is defined as a new growth of tissue in which cells multiple uncontrollably. Like all brain tumors, glioblastomas have no physiological use and are independent of surrounding tissue. One specific type of glioblastoma is a glioblastoma multiforme. These tumors are usually located in the cerebral hemisphere and grow very rapidly. Glioblastomas, regardless of the type, are always malignant and account for approximately 8-12% of all pediatric brain tumors. Like other pediatric brain tumors, glioblastomas are usually primary site tumors that is, they are not metastases.
The most malignant type of brain tumor derived from non-nervous (glial) tissue. Its rapid enlargement destroys normal brain cells, with a progressive loss of function, and raises the intracranial pressure, causing headache, vomiting, and drowsiness.