brain tumors

Question 1

How many brain tumors are diagnosed yearly?

Answer 1

About 23,400, slightly higher in males and middle-aged adults.

Question 2

Where can brain tumors occur?

Answer 2

Any part of the brain or spinal cord.

Question 3

What is the difference between primary vs secondary brain tumors?

Answer 3

Primary: starts in the brain. Secondary: metastasized from elsewhere.

Question 4

From what are brain tumors classified?

Answer 4

Classified based on the tissue of origin.

Question 5

What is the most common primary brain tumor?

Answer 5

Meningiomas.

Question 6

Are most brain tumors malignant?

Answer 6

Yes, more than half are malignant.

Question 7

Do brain tumors usually metastasize outside the brain?

Answer 7

Rarely, because the brain is isolated.

Question 8

What determines clinical manifestations of a brain tumor?

Answer 8

Location and size.

Question 9

Classic clinical manifestations of brain tumors?

Answer 9

Headaches (worse at night), seizures, N/V (↑ ICP), cognitive dysfunction, muscle weakness, sensory loss, aphasia, visual-spatial dysfunction.

Question 10

How do tumor location and symptoms connect?

Answer 10

Occipital → vision changes; Frontal lobe → personality changes; depends on location.

Question 11

Complications of brain tumors?

Answer 11

Hydrocephalus, ↑ ICP, cerebral edema, CSF pathway obstruction, death.

Question 12

What open-ended questions should you ask in suspected brain tumor cases?

Answer 12

Ask about onset of symptoms, when they get worse (e.g., night), response to meds.

Question 13

Diagnostic testing for brain tumors?

Answer 13

H&P, neuro exam, CT w/ contrast, MRI, PET (small tumors), EEG (seizures), cerebral angiography, endocrine studies (pituitary), histological studies.

Question 14

Why are endocrine studies important in brain tumors?

Answer 14

Pituitary tumors are considered the worst tumors.

Question 15

Why is chemotherapy limited in brain tumors?

Answer 15

Blood-brain barrier prevents drug penetration.

Question 16

What are chemo wafers?

Answer 16

Small wafers placed in the brain that dissolve and release chemo.

Question 17

How can chemo be given into the CNS?

Answer 17

Intrathecal, similar to an epidural.

Question 18

When is radiation therapy used for brain tumors?

Answer 18

After surgery or when surgery is not possible.

Question 19

What is stereotactic radiosurgery?

Answer 19

A precise, high-dose radiation technique, used if surgery fails or location prevents surgery.

Question 20

Surgical therapy for brain tumors?

Answer 20

Preferred treatment. May also involve ventricular shunts for hydrocephalus.

Question 21

What is the purpose of a ventricular shunt?

Answer 21

Relieves hydrocephalus caused by CSF flow obstruction; symptoms mimic ↑ ICP.

Question 22

Nursing implications in brain tumor care?

Answer 22

Involve family/caregivers, monitor ICP, maximize neuro function, control pain, educate, monitor complications.

Question 23

Behavioral/mental changes seen in brain tumor patients?

Answer 23

LOC changes, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, motor/sensory problems, language deficits, nutrition issues (steroids), mental health concerns.

Question 24

Why is nutrition important in brain tumor patients?

Answer 24

Many are on prednisone/steroids, which affect appetite and metabolism.

Question 25

How are brain tumors graded?

Answer 25

Based on aggressiveness and survival rates; e.g., Grade 1 = long-term survival more likely.