Unit 2: Brain Tumors + Abcesses & Spinal Cord Tumors

Question 1

Benign tumor =

Answer 1

Noncancerous tumor
Removed surgically
Typically + prognosis

Question 2

Example of a benign tumor

Answer 2

Meningioma

Question 3

Malignant tumor =

Answer 3

Cancerous tumor
Require aggressive Tx
Prognosis variable

Question 4

Metastatic tumor =

Answer 4

Cancerous tumor that’s spread

Question 5

Most brain cancers are ______ in nature, and less commonly _____ brain tumors.

Answer 5

Most brain cancers are METASTATIC in nature, and less commonly PRIMARY brain tumors.

Question 6

Tx for Malignant + Metastatic Tumors

Answer 6

1. Radiation
2. Chemo
3. Surgery

Question 7

Tumors are classified secondarily based on

Answer 7

Location

Question 8

within the cerebral hemisphere, above the tentorium (dural fold)

Answer 8

Supratentorial tumor

Question 9

beneath the tentorium, brainstem and cerebellum

Answer 9

Infratentorial tumor

Question 10

Supratentorial or Infratentorial
Ataxia, ANS problems, hearing or vision deficits, drooling

Answer 10

Infratentorial

Question 11

Supratentorial or Infratentorial
Paralysis, seizures, memory loss, impaired cognition, vision issues

Answer 11

Supratentorial

Question 12

S/S of a brain tumor are similar to those of ___ and ___.

Answer 12

S/S of a brain tumor are similar to those of TBI and increased ICP.

Question 13

Headaches r/t to brain tumors are especially worse when?

Answer 13

upon awakening

Question 14

Interventions for brain tumors are based on ____, ____, and _____ of the tumor.

Answer 14

Type, size, and location

Question 15

Nonsurgical interventions for brain tumors

Answer 15

1. Radiation
2. Chemo
3. Drug therapy
4. Stereotactic radiosurgery

Question 16

Drug therapy for Brain tumors
(NOT for Mx of brain tumors)

Answer 16

1. Monoclonal Abys
2. Recombinant DNA
3. Experimental druuuugs

Question 17

Drug therapy for Mx of Brain tumors

Answer 17

1. Steroids
2. Antiepileptics
3. Antiemetics
4. Pain meds

Question 18

Post-surgical Complications r/t to Brain tumors (7)

Answer 18

1. Increased ICP
2. Hydrocephalus
3. Brain bleeds
4. Respiratory complications
5. Infection (wound/meningitis)
6. Diabetes insipidus
7. SIADH

Question 19

The most common source of infection leading to a brain abscess is the

Answer 19

lungs
(also ears, sinuses, blood, or head wound)

Question 20

Brain Abscess Interventions

Answer 20

1. IV Abx
2. Antiepileptics
3. Analgesics
4. Drain (craniotomy, Burr Hole)

Question 21

Spinal cord tumors aka

Answer 21

Intradural tumors

Question 22

Types of Spinal cord tumors
Tumor cells within the cord (Ex. gliomas, astrocytomas, ependymomas)

Answer 22

Intramedullary

Question 23

Types of Spinal cord tumors
Tumor cells within the membrane around the spinal cord or spinal nerve; outside the spinal cord, but impact its function.

Answer 23

Extramedullary

Question 24

Types of Spinal cord tumors
Tumor cells that arise from other areas and go to the spinal cord, nerves, or vertebrae

Answer 24

Metastatic

Question 25

What’s one of the earliest Sxs that’s easily overlooked r/t spinal cord tumors?

Answer 25

Back pain; usually at the site of the tumor

Question 26

Pain r/t to a spinal cord tumor is worsened when?

Answer 26

At night

Question 27

Complications r/t to Spinal cord tumors

Answer 27

Spinal cord compression leading to:
1. Permanent nerve damage
2. Loss of movement → PARALYSIS
3. Loss of sensation
4. Loss of bowel + bladder function