Brain Tumors (Neoplasms) Flashcards
Brain tumor
Growth of abnormal cells within the brain
Sources of origin
Metastatic
Primary
Metastatic source of origin
Originates in the body and spreads to brain via blood cells/lymph channels
Primary source of origin
Originate in the brian
Types of brain tumors
Malignant (cancerous)
Benign (non-cancerous)
Major distinguishing factor is whether they are encapsulated or infiltrating
Signs and symptoms
Varies based on type/location of the mass
Usually due to increased intracranial pressure
Some include: headache, seizures, vomiting, loss of appetite, mood changes, vertigo, fatigue, cognitive symptoms, etc
Left hemisphere lesions
Language-mediated functions
Right hemisphere lesions
Visual-perceptual/spatial skills
Thalamic tumors
Contralateral sensory loss, hemiparesis, aphasia
Cerebellar lesions
Gait/coordination
Temporal lesions
Memory
Diagnosis/neuroimaging
Have to first rule out other possible conditions
Brain biopsy required
CT and MRI are used
PET - shows blood flow, metabolism, and physiology of tumors
fMRI - cortical mapping for tumor resection
Treatments
Surgery
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Surgery
Goal to resect as much of the tumor as possible while minimizing damage
Radiation
Goal to kill cancer cells
2 types: whole-brain radiation therapy, gamma knife radiation
