CNS tumors Flashcards
CNS neoplasms that present with epilepsy , where is the tumor ?
most likely to be infratentorial
what do posterior fossa tumors present with ?
headache and vomiting (signs of hydrocephalus)
what are the risk factors of developing CNS neoplasms?
- sex; gliomas are more common in males , meningiomas are more common in females
- exposure to ionizing radiation
- presence of primary CNS lymphoma
what are the effects of a CNS tumor ?
- local destruction of neural tissue
- edema
- distortion of neural tissue
- Raised ICP
what is the complication in cases of severe increased intracranial pressure ?
ICP herniation
where can ICP herniations occur ?
Subfalcine herniation
tentorial herniation
tonsillar herniation
what are the types of spinal cord tumors ?
extradural -metastatic carcinoma, myeloma, lymphoma
intradural/extra medullary - meningioma, schwannoma
intramedullary- gliomas
what is the gold standard for diagnosing CNS tumors ?
MRI with contrast , it helps with the visualization of the tumor location and the tumors aggressiveness
How is the tumor aggressiveness measured ?
by the surrounding edema
What are the surgical treatment options?
gross total excision
subtotal resection with tumors near eloquent areas
Biopsy - open biopsy or stereotactic
what is the clinical presentation of CNS tumors ?
UMNL
sensory deficits
Urinary dysfunction
What is some adjuvant therapy that can be used with CNS tumor patients
- Dexamethasone can be given to decrease the edema
- whole brain radiotherapy
- stereotactic radio surgery (gamma knife)
- hormonal replacement therapy if the hypothalamus ais affected or the pituitary stalk
- anti epileptic therapy
what kind of oedema is associated with brain tumores ?
vasogenic edema
Huge tumors in the fourth ventricles can cause …
hydrocephalus
Stereotactic biopsy is the surgery of choice in ..
deep seated lesions
