Beth - Week 4 - Exam 2 Flashcards
what is a brain tumor?
an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain or central spine
tumors are referred based on what?
- where tumor cells originated
- cancerous (malignant or non-meaning benign)
what are the characteristics of a benign tumor?
- least aggressive
- Originate from cells within or surrounding the brain
- Do not contain cancer cells
- Grow slowly, and typically have clear borders that
do not spread into other tissue
what is a malignant tumor?
tumors contain cancer cells and often do
not have clear borders
what are the characteristics of a malignant tumor?
- Life threatening because
- Grow rapidly
- Invade surrounding brain tissue
what is primary tumor?
starts in the brain
what is a metastatic tumor?
secondary brain tumors
which cancers metastasize to the brain?
breast cancer and lung cancer
what are the 6 different types of brain tumors?
gliomas primary CNS lymphomas meningioma acoustic neuroma pituitary adenoma hemangioblastoma
where do gliomas occur?
they infiltrate the brain (glioblasts)
where do primary CNS lymphomas occur?
lymphocytes
where do meningiomas occur?
they cover the brain tissue (meninges)
where do acoustic neuromas occur?
covering of any C.N.
- hard to find
where do the pituitary adenomas occur?
neoplasm of a gland
where do hemangioblastomas occur?
blood vessels
what are the grading scale for brain tumors?
grade I - well differentiated grade II - moderately differentiated (better outcome) grade III - poorly differentiated grade IV - unable to differentiate ** III and IV - 3 - 6 mo to live
what do gliomas affect?
affects the tissue that forms the cells and fibers of brain
gliomas: what grades are considered malignant and benign?
grade 1/2: benign
grade 3/4: malignant
what is a specific type of glioma?
astrocytoma
TEST: what are the characteristics of astrocytomas?
common/aggressive/malignant
- fast growing “fingers” or “star”
what glioma is the WORST?
glioblastoma multiforme
meningiomas are common in what group?
middle age, female, adults
how to meningiomas present?
encapsulated; compression rather than invasion
where do meningiomas present?
any part of brain from deep ventricles to the skull base
T/F: meningiomas are usually malignant
FALSE - they are usually benign
what are clinical manifestations of meningiomas?
- INCREASED ICP *
- severe HA
- change in vision
- hemiparesis
what C.N does acoustic neuromas affect?
C.N VIII (acoustic)
what are the two characteristics of acoustic neuromas?
- slow growing
- benign
what population should we be aware of when it comes to acoustic neuromas?
> 50 y/o males
- can’t hear well
- should check out everything
what are the clinical manifestations of acoustic neuromas?
- hearing loss
- tinnitus
- vertigo
who is at risk for a hemagioblastoma?
persons < 40 y/o w/ hemorrhage