How do meningioma and glioblastoma differ in prognosis and behavior?

• A. Both are benign; no difference
• B. Meningioma malignant; glioblastoma benign
• C. Meningioma generally benign and curable with surgical resection; glioblastoma is malignant and rapidly progressive with poor prognosis
• D. Both are rapidly progressive but glioblastoma can be cured with surgery

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that biology drives prognosis: meningiomas are typically benign growths from the meninges, while glioblastomas are highly malignant, infiltrative tumors inside the brain tissue. Meningiomas often grow slowly, have well-defined borders, and can be effectively removed with surgery, leading to long-term control or cure when complete resection is possible. In contrast, glioblastoma multiforme spreads diffusely through brain tissue, forms necrotic areas, and resists standard therapies, so even with surgery plus radiation and chemotherapy, the outlook is usually poor and progression is rapid. There are exceptions—some meningiomas can recur or be more aggressive, and glioblastoma is rarely curable with current treatments—but the general distinction in behavior and prognosis makes this the best summary: meningioma is generally benign and curable with surgical resection, whereas glioblastoma is malignant and rapidly progressive with a poor prognosis.