Concurrent glioma and primary intracranial sarcoma

Abstract

Two cases having concur-rent, primary, intracranial gllogenous and sarcomatous tumors are presented. The sarcomatous neoplasma were leptomeningeal in origin and had the histologic features of fibrosarcoma. A discussion is presented of theories which concern the histogenesis of intracranial tumors in which neuroectodermal and mesenchymal elements are juxtaposedor intermingled. It is concluded that no single histogenetic interpretation is applicable to all reported cases of such associated neoplasms. In the material reported the facts did not support an origin of the sarcoma from malignant transformation of the vascular hyperplasia which is so common a feature of gliogenous tumors. Nor did the glioma appear to have arisen as a result of neoplastic change in glia reacting to the presence of a sarcomatous neoplasm. The glioma and sarcoma appeared to have arisen independently and to have "collided" within the narrow confines of the cranial cavity. Considered in the genesis of the sarcoma.In the 2nd case the role of irradiation it is suggested that the uniquely short period elapsing in this case between institution of radiotherapy and development of a leptomenlngeal fibrosarcoma may be related to the coincidence of infection and multiple operative traumata.