A 40-year-old man with long-standing drug-refractory epilepsy has a CT showing a well-defined frontal lobe tumor abutting the cortex containing coarse globular calcification. MRI shows minimal peritumoral oedema. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Glioblastoma multiforme
- B Oligodendroglioma ✓
- C Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma
- D Metastasis
Correct answer: B. Oligodendroglioma
Explanation
Oligodendroglioma classically presents as a well-circumscribed cortical or subcortical frontal lobe tumor in a young adult with seizures, containing coarse, chunky or globular calcification on CT, with relatively little surrounding edema. Glioblastoma shows thick irregular ring enhancement, marked edema and necrosis in older patients. Metastases are multiple, located at the gray-white junction with disproportionate edema, and pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma typically lacks such coarse calcification.
Reference: Osborn's Brain, 2nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.