Brain tumors

Question 1

what is the most common brain tumor in adults

Answer 1

glioblastoma multiforme (grade IV astrocytoma)

Question 2

how can astrocytomas be dichotomized based on gross pathology

Answer 2

localized vs. diffusely infiltrating (worse prognosis)

Question 3

where are glioblastomas found

Answer 3

the cerebral hemispheres (“butterfly glioma” can be seen if the tumor crosses the corpus callosum)

Question 4

how can a glioblastoma be stained

Answer 4

GFAP

Question 5

what is seen on histology for glioblastoma

Answer 5

psuedopalisading pleomorphic tumor cells that border central areas of necrosis and hemorrhage

Question 6

are meningiomas seen more frequently in women or men?

Answer 6

women

Question 7

are meningiomas malignant or benign? intra-axial or extra-axial?

Answer 7

benign, extra-axial

Question 8

how are meningiomas treated

Answer 8

resection and/or radiosurgery

Question 9

what is seen on histology for meningiomas?

Answer 9

spindle cells concentrically arranged in whorled pattern; psammoma bodies (concentric laminated calcifications

Question 10

which brain tumor is associated with von Hippel Lindau syndrome

Answer 10

hemangioblastoma

Question 11

what hematologic condition is secondary to hemangioblastoma

Answer 11

polycythemia because hemangioblastoma produces erythropoetin

Question 12

what does hemangioblastoma look like on histology

Answer 12

closely arranged, thin-walled capillaries

Question 13

where are schwannomas most often found

Answer 13

internal accoustic meatus