Brain Cancer

It is the most malignant and common brain cancer in adults. It originates from glial cells, grows rapidly, and spreads to surrounding brain tissue. Headaches, seizures, and memory loss ensue. Surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy are common therapies, but prognosis is guarded due to its high rate of recurrence.

Astrocytomas are derived from brain cells called astrocytes, which are star-shaped. They are low-grade (slow-growing) to high-grade (malignant), so we can't predict their behavior. Symptoms depend on where the tumor is and can lead to seizures, neurological deterioration, and personality changes. Treatment involves surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy depending on grade.

Meningiomas originate from the meninges, which are covering layers of the brain and spinal cord. They are most often slow-growing and benign but atypical or malignant in certain instances. Headaches, visual changes, or neurologic deficits due to the effect of pressure are the typical presenting signs. Treatment of meningiomas is with observation, surgery, or radiation.

Oligodendrogliomas are more treatable, slow-growing brain tumors that develop from oligodendrocytes. These cells support and insulate nerve cells. Patients develop fewer symptoms than other gliomas, most often seizures and mental problems. Long-term prognosis is better than for other gliomas, particularly glioblastoma, with early detection. Patients develop fewer symptoms than other gliomas, more often seizures and mental problems.

Ependymomas are tumors that arise from ependymal cells lining the ventricles of the brain and the spinal cord. They arise in children and adults and are characterized by headache, nausea, and loss of balance. They are treated most commonly by surgery, with radiation therapy being added, particularly in children.

Medulloblastomas are cerebellar tumors of the brain that most commonly occur in children. Medulloblastomas metastasize via cerebrospinal fluid to the spinal cord. Symptoms and signs are poor coordination, headache, and vomiting. The treatment is with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with better survival rates in recent times.

Pituitary adenomas are generally benign tumors of the pituitary gland. Although noncancerous, they can disrupt hormone balance and cause symptoms like vision changes, weakness, or abnormal menstruation. Some must be removed surgically, but others can be treated with medication or follow-up on a regular basis depending on size and activity.

Primary Central Nervous System (CNS) Lymphoma is a rare, aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma confined to the brain, spinal cord, or eyes. It may occur in immunocompromised or immunocompetent hosts. Presentation is headache, personality change, and confusion. Treatment of choice is high-dose chemotherapy and radiation, with close follow-up for relapse.