Gliomatosis [Gliomatosis; Glioma (Base Gliomat-) + -O]

**Gliomatosis** is a progressive spread of macroglial elements, causing the death of cells of the nervous system and leading to the development of atrophy.

Glioma, lat. Glioma, from ancient Greek. γλίωμα − “knot” + plural. "-ozy".

Histology and general pathology of the nervous system. Macroscopically, masses of cellular structures with a diameter of 0.2 mm or more are observed. A malignant tumor arising from the glial element. Occurs rarely, most often at the age of 6-75 years. Develops slowly. Most often, the initial appearance of a subacute or slowly growing tumor such as an adenoma is observed. Its similarity to mature or multifocal glioma gradually increases. The number of nodes increases, the nodes merge and replace brain tissue. In some cases, the disease occurs with peripheral growth of nodes that do not compress the brain, with destruction of the cortex. With such growth, the correctness of movements may be impaired (“as in cerebral measles”). Sometimes perifocal necrosis of the brain substance is possible. The process can be either stable or increasing. The larger the tumor, the worse the prognosis. Tumors account for 20



Gliomatosis: progressive proliferation of macroglia resembling a tumor process

Gliomatosis, also known as gliomatous diffusion or gliomatous infiltration, is a rare neurological disease characterized by the progressive proliferation of macroglia, the cells that support and protect nervous tissue. This condition causes atrophy and death of nerve cells, and visually resembles a tumor process.

The term "gliomatosis" comes from the word "glioma", which means a malignant tumor, and the suffix "-oz", indicating the presence of a pathological process or condition. Gliomatosis can affect various parts of the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord.

In gliomatosis, macroglia, which normally perform important functions in normal nervous tissue, begin to grow irreversibly. This leads to compression and atrophy of nerve fibers, which ultimately leads to the death of nerve cells. As a result, patients may experience a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, visual disturbances, seizures, behavioral changes and cognitive deficits.

The diagnosis of gliomatosis can be difficult because its symptoms can be similar to other neurological disorders and brain tumors. Various tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid sampling, and biopsy.

Treatment for gliomatosis is usually complex and requires a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgical removal of the tumor can be complicated due to the diffuse and infiltrating nature of the disease, when the tumor does not have clear boundaries and penetrates into the surrounding normal tissue. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor and slow the progression of the disease.

The prognosis for patients with gliomatosis is usually unfavorable due to the high aggressiveness and inoperability of the tumor. However, new treatments and research in neuro-oncology may lead to more effective strategies to combat this condition and improve the prognosis for patients.

In conclusion, gliomatosis is a rare neurological disease characterized by progressive proliferation of macroglia and causing atrophy and death of neural tissue. This condition resembles a tumor and can affect various parts of the central nervous system. The diagnosis of gliomatosis can be difficult, and various testing methods are required to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for gliomatosis usually includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but the prognosis for patients remains poor. More in-depth research and the development of new treatments may help improve the prognosis and outcomes for patients suffering from gliomatosis.