Ch 9 Brain Tumors Flashcards
What are the types of brain tumors
Malignant gliomas ( neuralgial cells) Benign meningiomas ( meninges) Pituitary adenomas Acoustic neuromas ( acoustic cranial nerve)
What are supratentorial tumors
Tumors that occur in the cerebral hemispheres above the tectorial cerebelli.
What are infratentorial tumors
Tumors that occur below the tentorium cerebelli such as tumors of the brain stem and cerebellum
What do brain tumors do
They apply pressure to surrounding brain tissue, resulting in decreased outflow of CSF, increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, and neurological deficits. Tumors that involve the pituitary gland may cause endocrine dysfunction.
What brain tumors are assoc with a high mortality rate
Malignant brain tumors
What brain tumors rarely metastasize outside the brain
Primary brain tumors
Cranial metastatic lesions most commonly metastasize from where
Breast, kidney, gastrointestinal tract cancers
Do benign brain tumors metastasize
They do not metastasize
Where do benign brain tumors develop from
Benign brain tumors develop from the meninges or cranial nerves.
In what ways do benign brain tumors cause damage
These tumors have distinct boundaries and cause damage either by the pressure they excert within the cranial cavity and or by impairing the function of the cranial nerve
Are there routine screening procedures to detect brain tumors
No
What are risk factors for brain tumors
Genetics Environmental agents Exposure to ionizing radiation Exposure to electromagnetic fields Previous head injury
What are assessment findings of brain tumors
Dysarthria ( poor articulation of speech)
Dysphagia ( difficulty swallowing)
Positive Romberg sign
Positive babinski sign
Vertigo
Hemiparesis
Cranial nerve dysfunction ( inability to discriminate sounds, loss of gag reflex, loss of blink response
What are manifestations specific to supratentorial brain tumors
Severe headaches ( worse upon weakening but improving over time)
Visual changes
Seizures, loss of voluntary movement or the inability to control movement
Change in cognitive function ( memory loss, language impairment)
Change in personality
Nausea with or without vomiting
What are manifestations specific to infratentorial brain tumors
Hearing loss or ringing in the ear Facial drooping Difficulty swallowing Nystagmus, crossed eyes or decreased vision Autonomic nervous system dysfunction Ataxia or clumsy movements Hemiparesis Cranial nerve dysfunction ( inability to discriminate sounds, loss of gag reflex, loss of blink response.
