Brain tumours

Question 1

What are common types of primary brain tumours?

Answer 1

Glioblastoma multiforme
Mengingioma
Adenoma (can be functional or non-functional)

Question 2

What tumours commonly metastasis to the brain?

Answer 2

Lung
Breast
Melanoma
GI tract
Renal cell carcinoma.

Cerebral metastasis are more common than primary brain tumours

Question 3

What are the characteristics of Meningiomas?

Answer 3

Usually bengin
Arise from arachnoid
slow growing
frequently occur along falx, convexity or sphenoid bone.

Question 4

What are the characteristics of an Adenoma?

Answer 4

Vision problems (due to compression of optic chiasm)
Can get nausea, loss of smell, infertility, changes in behaviour. 
(hormone imbalance)

Question 5

What is the general presentation of a Brain tumour?

Answer 5

Raised ICP ( so headache- morning headaches typically, nausea, drowsiness, cognitive impairment)
Focal neurological deficit
CSF obstruction 
Epileptic fits
Papillodema
6th or 3rd nerve palsy

Question 6

Treatments for brain tumours?

Answer 6

Anti-epileptics (e.g lamotrogine or sodium valproate)
Antiemetics
Corticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone) to reduce odema
Chemo
radiotherapy
Surgery
Endocrine replacement