Primary Brain Tumour

Question 1

Name some examples of primary brain tumours

Answer 1

Astrocytoma
Oligodendrocytoma
Meningioma
Schwannoma

Question 2

What is the most common paediatric cancer?

Answer 2

ALL
Acute Lymphoblastic leukaemia

Question 3

What is the second most common paediatric cancer?

Answer 3

Astrocytoma

Question 4

How are astrocytomas graded?

Answer 4

1-4

1 = benign
4 = glioblastoma (v bad prognosis)

Question 5

What are symptoms of primary brain tumours?

Answer 5

Raised ICP so Cushing’s triad:
Bradycardia, irregular breathing, widened pulse pressure

Papillodema (swelling of optic disc due to raised ICP)
CN6 palsy
Focal neurology
Epileptic seizures
Lethargy
Weight loss

Question 6

How do you diagnose a primary brain tumour?

Answer 6

MRI head to locate tumour
Biopsy to determine grade of tumour

Do not lumbar puncture if increased ICP of undetermined cause

Question 7

How do you treat a primary brain tumour?

Answer 7

Surgery to remove the tumour if possible and to decrease the ICP

Chemotherapy before, during and after the surgery.

Steroids like Dexamethasone may help

Question 8

Where is the brain tumour most likely located if the patient presents with unusual change in personality and behaviour?

Answer 8

Frontal lobe

Question 9

What are concerning features of a headache that may indicate raised ICP?

Answer 9

Constant headache
Nocturnal
Worse on waking
Worse on coughing, straining or bending forwards
Vomiting
Papilloedema on fundoscopy

Question 10

Glial cells include a_____, o____ and e____ cells

Answer 10

astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells