Brain Tumours Flashcards
What is the aetiology of brain tumours?
Genetic changes Hereditary Errors in foetal development Ionizing radiation Viruses Injury or immunosuppression Environmental hazards
How are brain tumours graded?
Microscopic appearance and growth rate
GX-G4
What are the general signs and symptoms of brain tumours?
Cerebral oedema Increased ICP Focal neurologic deficits Obstruction of flow of CSF Pituitary dysfunction Papilloedema
What are the signs and symptoms of cerebral brain tumours?
Headache Vomiting unrelated to food intake Changes in visual fields and acuity Hemiparesis or hemiplegia Hypokinesia Decreased tactile discrimination Seizures Changes in personality or behaviour
What are the signs and symptoms of a brainstem tumour?
Hearing loss Facial pain and weakness Dysphasia, decreased gag reflex Nystagmus Hoarseness Ataxia and dysarthria
What are the signs and symptoms of cerebellar tumours?
Disturbances in coordination and equilibrium
What are the signs and symptoms of pituitary tumours?
Endocrine dysfunction
Visual deficits
Headache
What are the clinical signs of a frontal lobe tumour?
Inappropriate behaviour and personality change Inability to concentrate Impaired judgement Memory loss Headache Expressive aphasia Motor dysfunctions
What are the clinical signs of a parietal lobe tumour?
Sensory deficits- paresthesia, loss of 2 point discrimation, visual field deficits
What are the clinical signs of a temporal lobe tumour?
Psychomotor seizures
Hallucinations
Visceral symptoms
What are the clinical signs of an occipital lobe tumour?
Visual disturbances
What are the common intra-axial tumours?
Gliomas (astrocytoma, anapaestic astrocytoma, glioblastoma multiforme) Oligodendroglioma Ependymomas Medulloblastoma CNS lymphoma
Who are the common extra-axial tumours?
Meningioma Metastatic Acoustic neuromas (Schwannoma) Pituitary adenoma Neurofibroma
What are the features of a CT of a meningioma?
Hypodense
Smooth or lobulated mass
Sometimes areas of calcification
What are the features of an MRI of a meningioma?
Isodense with grey matter
What are the features of a diffuse low grade astrocytoma on a CT?
Well circumscribed
Non-enhancing
Hypodense or isodense lesion
What are the features of a high grade astrocytoma on CT?
Hypodense or isodense
Central area of necrosis surrounded by thick enhancing rim
Surrounding oedema
What are the features of an oligodendroglioma on CT?
Well circumscribed, hypotenuse lesions with heavy calcifications
Cystic degeneration common
What are common brain metastases?
Melanoma
Renal cell
Choriocarcinoma
What are the diagnostic procedures for brain tumours?
Radiological imaging
Lumbar puncture/ CSF analysis
Pathology
What imaging is used for brain tumours?
Skull x rays
CT
MRI
What are the surgical options for brain tumours?
Resection Biopsy Craniotomy Sterotaxis surgery Transsphenoidal Endoscopic
What are the post op complications?
Increased ICP Haematoma Hypovolaemic shock Hydrocephalus Wound infection Seizures CSF leak Oedema Meningitis Pulmonary oedema Atelectasis Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
What are the other treatment options for brain tumours?
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
