Brain Tumours Flashcards
What are gliomas
Tumours of the glial cells in the brain or spinal cord; glial cells surround and support the neurones
Give the 3 main types of gliomas in increasing order of malignancy
- Ependymoma
- Oligodendroglioma
- Astrocytoma
What is the most common and aggressive type of astrocytoma
Glioblastoma
What is an acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
Benign, slow-growing tumour of the Schwann cells that surround the Vestibulocochlear nerve
Where specifically do acoustic neuromas occur
Cerebellopontine angle
What genetic condition is associated with the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (auto dom)
Describe the common presentation of an acoustic neuroma
- Asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss
- Dizziness/ imbalance (particularly with quick head turning)
- Tinnitus
- Difficult localising sounds
Give 5 late findings of an acoustic neuroma that imply a large tumour
- Nystagmus on lateral gaze
- Coordination difficulties
- Facial nerve palsy - weakness/numbness
- Gait disturbances
- Raised ICP
How are acoustic neuromas treated depending on their size
- Small (<1.5cm) and asymptomatic = observation
- Medium <3cm = focused radiation or surgery
- Large >3cm = surgery
What is a meningioma
predominantly non-malignant tumour of the meninges occurring at both cranial and spinal sites
Describe the common presentation of a meningioma
- Headache
- Seizures
- Neuro deficit
Give 3 RFs for meningiomas
- FHx of brain tumours
- Neurofibromatosis 2
- Radiotherapy
How is a meningiomas treated
- Observation if asymptomatic
- Surgical resection
- Salvage surgery if initial treatments fail
Give 3 risk factors for gliomas
- Male
- Ionising radiation
- Neurofibromatosis type 1
Describe the common presentation of a glioma (6)
- Altered mental state
- Headache worse with coughing
- Seizures
- Gait abnormality
- N/V
- Ataxia
