Neuro Tumors

Question 1

Brain Tumor

Answer 1

The term brain tumor, also referred to as intracranial neoplasm, is defined as an abnormal mass of cells located in the brain or surrounding tissues. There are more than 120 different types of brain tumors that range in severity from benign tumors to life-threatening malignancies

Question 2

Most common brain cancers

Answer 2

Brain metastasis are significantly more common than primary brain tumors, with incidence that varies upon the type of primary malignancy. Of true intraneural tumors - Meningioma is the most common

Question 3

Brain Tumor Staging

Answer 3

Not taged, but graded on WHO scale from 1-4

Histology and molecular features. 4 is more aggreessive but not all tumor types have all 4 grades

Question 4

Meningioma

Answer 4

most common type of intracranial tumor, accounting for approximately one-third of all primary CNS tumors. They can occur within the cranium or along the spinal cord, although intracranial lesions are more common. A meningioma may occur at any age, but due to its slow growth rate, it is often discovered in patients of advanced age

Question 5

Brain Tumor Presentation

Answer 5

Neuro symptoms - headache, seizure (common), subacute neuro deficits, memory loss, behavior

Papilledema (optic disk enlarged) is a red flag

Question 6

Brain Tumor Diagnostics

Answer 6

MRI with gadolinium is the gold standard
CT may be useful for initial workup
Other imaging if concern for spread / metastatic cause

Question 7

Brain Tumor differentials

Answer 7

Stroke
Infection
Headache (typically escalates, responds to treatment)

Question 8

Brain Tumor Treatment

Answer 8

Surgical resection preferred and best, but usually only possible in Grade 1 and some types

Chemo / Radiation next

Most care is directed at pallative, not curative

Question 9

Primary Care and Brain Tumor Tips

Answer 9

Vasogenic edema is treated with steroids
Lifelong seizures are common - need AED meds
Fatigue, depression, cognitive impairment, dietary needs are critical to be involved in

Question 10

Brain Tumor Complications

Answer 10

Increased ICP
Venous thromboembolus
Seizures
Depressed immune function due to chemo/radiation

Question 11

Brain Tumor Red Flags

Answer 11

Fever in chemo patient = neutropenia risk
Seizures = refer to neuro
Neuro decline = cerebral edema risk

Any fever > 100.4, unrelieved headache, neuro change = refer to ED