Gliosarcoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats gliosarcoma?
Gliosarcoma, a rare and fast-growing brain cancer, is treated by a team that usually includes a neurosurgeon, a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor), and an oncologist (cancer doctor). Treatment often starts with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible, followed by other cancer treatments guided by the oncology team. Treatment choices depend on age, remaining tumor, and tumor location.
What is gliosarcoma?
Gliosarcoma is a rare type of glioma. A glioma is a tumor that starts in glial cells, the supportive cells of the brain. Gliosarcoma is a primary tumor. This means it begins in the brain or spinal cord.
All gliosarcomas are grade 4. This means they are cancerous and fast-growing.
Under the microscope, the tumor has two kinds of tissue. Some areas look like astrocytes, a star-shaped glial cell. Other areas look like sarcomas, a type of connective tissue cell.
In the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) system, gliosarcoma is not its own tumor type. It is a form of glioblastoma, another type of brain cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on where the tumor is in the brain. Possible symptoms include:
- Headaches.
- Seizures.
- Thinking or memory difficulties.
- Weakness or numbness.
- Problems with balance and movement.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know the cause of most gliosarcomas. Past radiation and some inherited gene changes are linked to a higher chance of glioblastoma. Gliosarcoma is a form of glioblastoma.
Changes in a gene called LZTR1 are linked to gliosarcoma.
Gliosarcoma can be primary or secondary. A secondary tumor forms from an older glioma, usually after radiation.
Gliosarcomas can occur at any age. They are most common in people between 40 and 60 years old. They are rare. They are thought to make up about 2 percent of glioblastomas.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use MRI scans to look at gliosarcomas. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. These tumors usually look like a single mass with vague edges and some swelling around them.
To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors remove a piece of tumor tissue during surgery, if possible. A neuropathologist (a doctor who studies tissue under a microscope) then reviews it.
Treatment
Surgery is usually the first treatment, if it is possible. The goal is to remove as much tumor as possible without causing more symptoms.
These tumors are aggressive, so most people get more treatment after surgery. This can include radiation, chemotherapy (drug treatment for cancer), or a clinical trial.
Clinical trials test new chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy drugs. Your health care team decides on treatment. This depends on your age, where the tumor is, and how much tumor is left after surgery.
The likely outcome is called prognosis. Prognosis depends on the tumor grade, location, and type. It also depends on how far the tumor has spread, gene findings, and age. Tumor left after surgery also matters. Ask your doctor what these factors mean for you.
NCI-CONNECT doctors and nurses can work with you. They also work with your primary doctor.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have a seizure, cannot speak, or faint. Also call 911 for sudden weakness or a sudden change in mental state.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can help with a first evaluation and follow-up. That doctor can also coordinate care with a neurosurgeon and an oncologist.
Common questions
What are the symptoms of gliosarcoma?
Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, and thinking or memory difficulties, depending on where the tumor is in the brain. Imaging tests are used to find and evaluate the tumor.
Is gliosarcoma treatable?
Gliosarcoma can be treated with surgery and other cancer therapies, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or clinical trials, though outcomes vary by case. Treatment choices depend on age, the tumor's location, and how much tumor remains after surgery.
Can a direct primary care doctor manage gliosarcoma?
No, a direct primary care doctor does not usually treat this brain cancer. A direct primary care doctor can refer you to a neurosurgeon and an oncologist. The doctor can still help with other health needs during treatment.
Sources
- National Cancer Institute - Gliosarcoma: Diagnosis and Treatment
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Gliosarcoma
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
