Brain Tumours Flashcards
1
Q
What is the most common form of brain tumours?
A
- Metastatic brain tumours
2
Q
Where do brain mets normally originate from?
A
- Lung
- Breast
- Bowel
- Skin (melanoma)
- Kidney
3
Q
What is the most common primary tumour in adults?
A
- Glioblastoma
4
Q
How do Glioblastoma present on imaging and histology?
A
Imaging: Solid tumour with central necrosis and a rim which enhances with contrast
Histology: Pleomorphic tumour cells border necrotic areas
5
Q
How are glioblastomas treated?
A
- Surgical with postop chem/radio
- Dexamethasone to treat oedema
6
Q
What is the second most common primary brain tumour?
A
Meningioma
7
Q
What is the pathophysiology of meningiomas?
A
- Usually benign tumours of CNS
- Arise from arachnoid cap cells of the meninges and are usually next to the dura
Histology: spindle cells in concentric whorls and calcified psammoma bodies
8
Q
How are meningiomas managed?
A
- CT/MRI
- Can be watch and wait, radiotherapy or surgical removal
9
Q
What is the most common primary brain tumour in children?
A
Pilocytic astrocytoma
10
Q
What is the histology of pilocytic astrocytoma?
A
Rosenthal fibres: Corkscrew eosinophilic bundle
11
Q
What is Oligodendroma?
A
- Benign slow growing tumour common in the frontal lobe
- Histology shows calcifications with ‘fried egg’ appearance
12
Q
What is medulloblastoma?
A
- An aggressive paediatric tumour that arises within the infratentorial compartment
- Histology shows small, blue cells in rosette pattern
- Managed with surgery and chemo
13
Q
What is a craniopharyngioma?
A
- Most common paediatric supratentorial tumour
- Solid tumour from remnants of Rathkes pouch
