Track 19: Brain Tumor

Sub-tracks of Brain Tumors

1.     Primary Brain Tumors

o    Originates in the brain. Examples include gliomas and meningiomas.

2.     Secondary (Metastatic) Brain Tumors

o    Originate in other parts of the body and spread to the brain.

3.     Gliomas

o    Arises from glial cells. Types:

§  Astrocytomas

§  Oligodendrogliomas

§  Ependymomas

4.     Meningiomas

o    Tumors that develop in the meninges (brain and spinal cord membranes).

5.     Pituitary Tumors

o    Affect the pituitary gland, influencing hormonal activity.

6.     Schwannomas

o    Typically benign tumors that arise from Schwann cells, e.g., vestibular schwannomas.

7.     Medulloblastomas

o    Common in children, arising from the cerebellum.

8.     Craniopharyngiomas

o    Benign tumors near the pituitary gland, affecting growth and hormone regulation.

9.     Pineal Region Tumors

o    Tumors located in or around the pineal gland.

10.   CNS Lymphomas

• Cancerous growth in the brain or spinal cord's lymphatic tissue.

11.   Choroid Plexus Tumors

• Tumors affecting cerebrospinal fluid-producing tissue.

12.   Hemangioblastomas

• Rare, slow-growing tumors often associated with Von Hippel-Lindau disease.

What is Brain Tumors?

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the brain. These growths can be classified into two main types:

1.     Benign Brain Tumors: These are non-cancerous growths that typically grow slowly and are less likely to invade surrounding brain tissues. Despite being non-cancerous, they can still cause significant health issues due to their location and pressure on surrounding brain structures.

2.     Malignant Brain Tumors: These are cancerous growths that tend to grow more quickly and may invade or spread to surrounding brain tissues. Malignant brain tumors can originate in the brain (primary brain tumors) or spread to the brain from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic brain tumors).

Symptoms of brain tumors vary depending on their size, location, and rate of growth. Common symptoms include headaches, seizures, changes in vision or hearing, difficulty with balance or coordination, cognitive or memory issues, and personality changes. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests like MRI or CT scans, and treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.