brain tumours Flashcards
examples of gliomas
astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma
where are gliomas seen
often seen in hemisphere, sometimes in the cerebellum, brainstem, cord
how do gliomas spread
by direct extension, never metastase outside of the CNS
how are astrocytomas graded
1-4. 1 and 2 are benign, 3 and 4 are malignant. 1 grows slowly, 4 death in a few months (prognosis
what is a meningioma
benign tumours arising from meninges- arachnoid. extra axial, slow growing
how are meningiomas found
often incidentally as most are asymptomatic
grades of meningiomas
1-3. 1- completely benign, 2- risk of recurrence, 3- anaplastic
predisposing factors meningiomas
radiotherapy, environmental radiation, tumour genetic syndromes
some local complications meningiomas
if next to bone can erode the skull, often found along intracranial venous sinuses may invade
what are neurofibromas (Schwannoma)
arise from Schwann cells, occur mostly in the cerebellopontine angle
what does the pineal gland produce
melatonin regulating sleep wake cycle
what are the 5 most common primaries for brain mets
lung, breast, colon, renal cell carcinoma, melanoma
features
mass lesions cause symptoms by direct effect, secondary effects by incr ICP, provoke generalised and or partial seizures
what can raised ICP lead to
distortion upper brainstem- midline structures displaced, impaired conciousness coning and death. false localising signs
investigations
CT, MRI (best for posterior fossa lesions), routine tests eg CXR for primaries. LP CI due to chance of coning. stereotactic biopsy via burr hole
