Histopathology 14 - Neuro-oncology Flashcards
Which 3 types of cancer are most likely to metastasise to the brain?
Lung
Breast
Malignant melanoma
What is the most common form of primary brain tumour?
Astrocytoma
Which genetic syndrome is associated with meningioma?
Neurofibromatosis type 2
What type of tumour is being described by “a ventricular tumour that presents with hydrocephalus”?
Ependyoma
Which brain tumour is an indolent CNS tumour of childhood?
Pilocystic astrocytoma
Which type of brain tumour is soft, gelatinous and can become calcified?
Oligodendroma
Which CNS tumour does Von Hippel-Lindau predispose to?
Hemangioblastoma
Which CNS tumour does tuberous sclerosis predispose to?
Giant cell astrocytoma
Recall the order in which imaging should be performed in CNS tumour investigation
- CT
- MRI (T1 and without contrast)
- MR spectroscopy for gliomas (useful prognostically)
Recall the 4 factors that guide grading of brain tumours
Morphology
Proliferative activity
Cell differentiation
Necrosis
Recall the survival prediction for each grade of CNS tuour
Grade 1 = longterm
Grade 2 = >5 years
Grade 3 = <5 years
Grade 4 = <1 year
What are the 2 broad subtypes of glial tumours, and in which age groups are they typically seen?
Diffuse (adults) or circumscribed (children)
What grade are circumscribed glial tumours?
1 or 2
What is the most common type of circumscribed glial tumour?
Pilocystic adenoma
Mutation of which gene is associated with circumscribed glial tumours?
BRAF gene mutation