CNS tumours

Question 1

define CNS tumours?

Answer 1

• Tumours of the central nervous system

- they are differentiated into high grade and low grade.

Question 2

example of a high grade CNS tumour?

Answer 2

● Glioma and glioblastoma multiforme -MOST COMMON
● Primary cerebral lymphoma
● Medulloblastoma

Question 3

example of a low grade CNS tumour?

Answer 3

●	Meningioma – SECOND MOST COMMON
●	Acoustic neuroma 
●	Neurofibroma
●	Pituitary tumour
●	Craniopharyngeoma
●	Pineal tumour

Question 4

where do brain mets most commonly arise from?

Answer 4

●	Lung (most common) 
●	Breast 
●	Bowel 
●	Skin 
●	Kidney

Question 5

risk factors for CNS tumours?

Answer 5

o Ionising radiation
o Immunosuppression eg HIV
o Inherited syndromes (e.g. neurofibromatosis

Question 6

epidemiology of CNS tumours?

Answer 6

rare

● AIDS patients have an increased risk

Question 7

which tumours will present early?

which tumours will present late?

Answer 7

o Tumours in the frontal and temporal regions may take longer before becoming symptomatic

o tumours in speech and visual areas can become symptomatic sooner.

Question 8

presenting symptoms of CNS tumours?

Answer 8

● Headache (worse in the morning and when lying down)
● Nausea and vomiting
● Seizures
● Progressive focal neurological deficits
● Cognitive and behavioural symptoms
● Papilloedema

Question 9

best investigation for a brain tumour?

Answer 9

● MRI scan – gold standard