brain tumours Flashcards
raised ICP
1- Upon waking , headache disperses within 1-2 hrs
2-may be relieved by aspirin or codeine
3- vomiting before breakfast ( projectile)
4- Papiloedema ( asymptomatic , but they could go blind)
most common metastases
- lungs and most commonly breasts
primary brain tumours
1) compromise 30% of all brain tumours
- Astrocytomas
- Oligodendrogliomas
- Ependymomas
astrocytomas
- grade 2 = low grade = 5-7 years
-Grade 3= anapaestic astrocytoma ( 2-3 years)
grade 4= glioblastoma ( survival is 12-18months)= elevated tumour cells,severe necrosis
treatment of gliomas
remove the lump = de bulking ( remove the main mass)
- takes the pressure off , buy time for patient to recover
scans brain tumour ?
MRI+ CONTRAST
PET scans
surgical techniques used to facilitate SAFE resection
1) Image guidance (pre op scans)
2) Real-time imaging
3) Tumour Fluorescence
4) Awake surgery with direct electrical stimulation
therapy for malignant gliomas
- fractionated radiotherapy
1) Temozolomide (glioblastomas)
2) Radiotherapy + PCV
low grade gliomas
young adutls
seizures present
meningiomas
- arises from arachnoid cap cells of meninges
- majority are benign and if resectable
- if attached to important blood vessels = harder
major childhood brain tumours
1) Pilocytic astrocytoma
2) Medulloblasstoma
3) Ependymoma
schwannomas
slow- growing benign nerve sheath tumours
- hearing loss, tinnitus , balance problems
Pituitary tumours
large tumours ( macro adenoma )
- compression of optic nerves
- bitemporal hemianopia
Small tumours ( micro adenomas)
- prolactinoma
- GH secreting acromegaly
- ACTH ( cushing’s disease )
palliative care medications
dexamethasone (steroid)
anti seizure meds
anti emetics
analgesics hospice
