Is it possible to resect a glioblastoma multiforme?

Yes and no: If it is in an area that can be resected, the neurosurgeon tries to remove as much as safely possible. However, this tumor unlike others usually is difficult to completely resect. So the goal is to remove as much as possible. Radiation and chemotherapy are standard after surgery. The goal of treatment is to delay the time of recurrence. Hope this helps.

Not completely: Although a majority of a tumor can be resected ('gross total resection'), all microscopic tumor cannot be resected. Neurosurgeons try to remove as much as possible while trying to preserve neurologic function ('maximally safe resection'). Because tumor cannot be completely resected, patients recommended to have chemotherapy and radiation post-operatively.

Generally not: Glioblastoma is a high grade glial tumor. Glial tumors do not have distinct borders because glial cells have extensive cell projections and grow in a network ,rather than with discrete borders. Surgery can be performed to remove the bulk of tumor, but it is generally not possible to remove every tumor cell. Also, the location of the tumor often limits extent of surgery.