Extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma multiforme diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration: a report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Extracranial metastasis of cerebral glioblastoma is rarely seen. Craniotomy and diversionary shunt are widely accepted causes of dissemination. Prognosis is poor but new therapeutic modalities may improve the survival and lessen the patient's symptoms. It is also important to diagnose extracranial metastasis because of possible response to treatment and fine-needle aspiration cytology can then be helpful. Two cases of extracranial metastases of glioblastoma multiforme diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration cytology are reported and a review of the literature is presented.