Brain Tumours Flashcards Preview

Neurology > Brain Tumours > Flashcards

Flashcards in Brain Tumours Deck (15)
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1
Q

What are the common types of primary brain tumour?

A

Glioma (neuroepitheal tissue)
Meningioma (meninges)
Adenoma (pituitary)

2
Q

What cancers commonly spread to the brain?

A
Renal cell carcinoma
Lung carcinoma
Breast carcinoma
Malignant melanoma
GI tract cancer
3
Q

What cells are gliomas derived from?

A

Astrocytes

4
Q

What are the characteristics of a meningioma?

A
Slow growing
Extra-axial
Usually benign
Arise from arachnoid
Frequently occur along falx, convexity or sphenoid
Usually cured if completely removed
5
Q

How do brain tumours present?

A

Raised intracranial pressure
Focal neurological deficit
Epileptic fits
CSF obstruction

6
Q

What are the symptoms of raised intracranial pressure?

A
Headache (typically morning)
Nausea/vomiting
Visual disturbance
Somnolence
Cognitive impairment
Altered consciousness
7
Q

What are the signs of raised intracranial pressure?

A
Papilloedema
6th nerve palsy
Cognitive impairment
Altered consciousness
3rd nerve palsy
8
Q

When is hydrocephalous linked to brain tumours?

A

Can be caused by tumours in or close to CSF pathways

Especially in children or posterior fossa tumours

9
Q

What investigations can help diagnose brain tumours?

A
History and examination
Think of sources of secondary tumours (eg CXR, CT, mammography, biopsy skin lesions)
CT scan
MRI scan
PET scan
Angiography
Biopsy
10
Q

What are the presentations of a focal neurological deficit?

A
Hemiparesis
Dysphasia
Hemianopia
Cognitive impairment
Cranial nerve palsy
Endocrine disorders
11
Q

What are the clinical features of Gerstmann’s syndrome?

A

Acalculia
Agraphia
Finger agnosia
Right/left confusion

12
Q

What lesions cause Gerstmann’s syndrome?

A

Left parietal lobe lesions

13
Q

Where are epilepsy causing lesions found?

A

Above the tentorium

14
Q

What are the principles of management of brain tumours?

A
Corticosteroids (dexamethasone)
Treat epilepsy (anticonvulsants)
Analgesics/antiemetics
Counselling
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Endocrine replacement
15
Q

Why would you not do a lumbar puncture when there are symptoms suggesting an intracranial mass lesion?

A

Can cause meningitis
Can cause herniation syndrome (fatal)
Can cause air embolism
Can worsen symptoms