Brain Metastases Flashcards
define CNS tumours
tumours found within the brain or spinal cord
why can’t you differentiate between benign and malignant tumours
brain tumours cannot be truly differentiated into benign and malignant because supposedly ‘benign’ tumours can cause significant morbidity and mortality
features of high grade CNS tumours
tumour grows rapidly and aggressively
examples of high grade CNS tumours
Glioma and glioblastoma multiforme
Primary cerebral lymphoma
Medulloblastoma
examples of low grade CNS tumours
Meningioma
Acoustic neuroma
Neurofibroma
Pituitary tumour
Craniopharyngeoma
Pineal tumour
where do brain metastases usually arise from
lung, breast, stomach, prostate, thyroid and colorectal tumours
aetiology/ causes of brain metastases
can arise from any cells in the CNS (glial cells, ependymal cells and oligodendrocytes)
risk factors for CNS tumours
ionising radiation, immunosuppression, inherited syndromes
epidemiology
primary brain tumours make up 2% of diagnosed tumours
can develop at any age but mainly between 50-70 yrs
what do presenting symptoms and signs depend on
location and size of the tumour
some presenting symptoms and signs of CNS tumours
Headache (worse in the morning and when lying down)
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Progressive focal neurological deficits
Cognitive and behavioural symptoms
Papilloedema
investigations for CNS tumours
Bloods - check CRP/ESR to eliminate other causes (e.g. temporal arteritis)
CT/MRI
Biopsy and tumour removal
Magnetic resonance angiography - define changing size and blood supply of the tumour
PET
