Brain Tumours Flashcards
What is a glioma?
A malignant tumour of epithelial origin
What type of brain tumour is associated with neurofibromatosis?
Glioma
Which is the only way by which gliomas tend to spread?
Direct extension - they virtually never spread to beyond the CNS
Name two types of gliomas
Astrocytoma
Oligodendroglioma
What stage is a glioblastoma multiforme?
4
Are grade 1 astrocytomas benign or malignant?
Benign
What is the treatment for a grade 1 astrocytoma?
Surgery - curative
Who most often gets pliocytic astrocytomas? Where do they most often occur?
Children
Cerebellum
What four locations do pilocytic astrocytomas occur?
Optic nerve
Hypothalamus
Cerebellum
Brainstem
How do low grade astrocytomas most commonly present?
Seizures
What is the treatment for grade 2 astrocytomas?
Surgery +/- radio/chemo therapy depending on the molecular profile
What is another name for a grade 2 astrocytoma?
Glioblastoma
What is the normal survival time for a glioblastoma multiforme?
Less than 1 year
What is the normal survival time for an anaplastic astrocytoma?
2 years
In what lobes do oligodendoglial tumours most commonly occur?
Frontal
How do oligodendroglial tumours present usually?
Seizure
Which type of brain tumour tends to have peripheral calcification?
Oligodendroglial tumour
What is the treatment for oligodendroglial tumours?
Chemotherapy (Procarbazine, lomustine, vincristine) and surgery
Radiotherapy helps in decreasing seizures.
What is the median survival for an oligodendoglial tumour?
10 years
What is the treatment for grade III and IV astrocytomas?
Non curative surgery (increases survival quality)
External beam radiation
Chemo ( Temozolomide, PCV, Carmustine wafers)
What are the common presenting symptoms of meningiomas?
Headaches
Cranial nerve neuropathies (if on base of skull)
Regional anatomical disturbance
Are meningiomas most commonly benign or malignant?
Benign
What are the four types of aggressive/malignant meningiomas?
Clear cell
Chordoid
Rhabdoid
Papillary
A 56 year old women has a CT scan after suffering debilitating and constant headaches. On the CT you see a densely enhanced homogenous lesion with oedema around it and hyperostosis.
Meningioma
