Malignancies Flashcards
MC tumor in children
cerebellar astrocytoma
2nd MC tumor in children (usually 5-14y/o)
medulloblastoma (type of embryonal tumor)
- has a very high malignancy–> death if not medically treated
Very common meningeal tumor
meningioma
What other tumor type is common
pituitary tumors
MC etiology of CNS lesions/tumors
metastasis from lung, breast or melanoma
3rd MC tumor in children
ependymoma
MC intra-cranial tumor is…
a metastasized lesion
Least common area of the brain for a tumor to occur
occipital regions
Only known trigger for Brain/CNS tumors is…
ionizing radiation
General presentations of Brain/CNS tumors
Nonspecific:
- HA classically worse in morning
- altered mental status
- cranial nerve deficits
What is a mass effect
A lesion in the brain that causes ICP that leads to HA, N/V, papilledema, ataxia, AMS
Number 1 way to dx Brain/CNS tumor
non contrast CT
Diagnostic gold standard for dx
Biopsy
Atreriovenous (AV) malformation
abnormal, snarled, tangles of blood vessels that cause multiple irregular connections between the arteries and veins
Cavernous hemangiomas
groups of tightly packed, abnormally thin-walled, small blood vessels that displace normal neurological tissue in the brain/spinal cord
vessels are filled with slow-moving or stagnant blood that is usually clotted or in a state of decomposition
Which is more likely to hemorrhage?
Arteriovenous malformations or Cavernous hemangiomas
AV malformations
Which is most symptomatic?
Arteriovenous malformations or Cavernous hemangiomas
AV malformations
Which can cause seizures?
Arteriovenous malformations or Cavernous hemangiomas
Cavernous hemangiomas
Capillary telangiectasias
groups of abnormally swollen capillaries usually measuring less than an inch in diameter
usually benign
rarely cause exudative damage to surrounding brain/spinal cord tissues
Venous angiomas
radially arranged configuration of medullary veins (“caput medusae”) separated by normal brain parenchyma
Cerebrovascular malformation associated with “caput medusae”
venous angiomas
What three techniques can manage AVM?
- conventional surgery
- endovascular embolization
- radiosurgery
What type of genetic disorders predisposes an individual to a cerebral aneurysm?
microdeletions
What is the etiology of cerebral aneurysms?
idiopathic
result of HTN
CVA vs. TIA
CVA: infarction of the tissue –> tissue death
IVA: ischemic stroke –>hypoxic state of the brain
How does HTN affect the vessels of the brain?
- increased ICP
- weakens the vessels of the brain (increases chances of CVA/TIA, aneurysms, malformations)
MC sites (4) for a hypertensive bleed in the brain
thalamus
basal ganglia
pons
cerebeullum
