Recurrent Scalp Lesions from Glioblastoma: Case Report and Literature Review

In spite of being the most common primary brain tumor in adults, extracranial metastases are rarely seen during the lifetime of patients with glioblastoma. Majority of metastases occur in chest, abdomen, bone, lymph nodes, and spinal cord. Scalp lesions from glioblastoma are extremely rare, with only few cases reported in the literature. Scalp glioblastomas have been reported to occur via direct extension of the intracranial tumor across the craniotomy defect or as a nodule along the surgical approach distinct from the recurrent intracranial tumor. In the latter presentation, the mechanisms involved are supposed to be direct tumor cell implantation during the primary surgery or hematogenous dissemination of tumor cells. We report a case of a 60-year-old man who presented recurrent scalp lesions from glioblastoma. This illustrative case highlights the importance of suspicious of disease spread in patients with glioblastoma who present with scalp lesions after surgery. Also, we review the literature concerning epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis.