Brain Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Question 1

What are the diagnostic steps for diagnosing brain cancer?

Answer 1

1) Neurological exam (testing for deficiencies in brain function)
2) MRI, CT, and/or PET scan (PET scan is best)

Question 2

What type of test is used to look at blood vessels and is useful for viewing or following meningeal tumors?

Answer 2

Myelogram

Question 3

What is the most important scan for diagnosing brain cancer?

Answer 3

PET scan

Question 4

How will brain tumors show up on a CT or MRI?

Answer 4

At a different brightness from normal tissues

Question 5

What is the problem with biopsying a brain tumor?

Answer 5

Have to open skull, so it is better to go ahead and remove the tumor.

Question 6

What is a spinal tap used for?

Answer 6

To identify locally invasive tumors (i.e., whether a tumor has spread). The test looks for cells that are actively proliferating (normal brain cells are not mitotic) in the CSF.

Question 7

What is the treatment protocol for brain cancer?

Answer 7

1) Surgery
2) Radiation
3) Chemo (not a great option)

Question 8

Why are steroids given to brain cancer patients?

Answer 8

To help relieve swelling in the brain

Question 9

What types of medications are commonly given to brain cancer patients?

Answer 9

Steroids and anti-seizure meds

Question 10

What does a ventriculoperiotoneal shunt work?

Answer 10

Drains fluid from the brain into the peritoneal cavity to relieve pressure.

Question 11

What is used to drain fluid from the brain into the peritoneal cavity to relieve pressure.?

Answer 11

ventriculoperitoneal shunt