Tumours of the Central Nervous System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to tumours of the central nervous system, their epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

CNS tumours

Account for 2% of all malignancies, with a peak incidence in individuals aged 70-80.

Primary brain tumours

Show a bimodal age distribution with peaks in children and late middle age.

Sporadic tumours

The majority of primary CNS tumours occur sporadically with risk factors including increasing age, female sex, and radiation exposure.

WHO grading

A system that categorizes tumours based on their growth and malignancy, with grades ranging from I (slow-growing, curable) to IV (highly malignant).

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

A grade IV glioma characterized by prominent abnormal vascularity, hemorrhage, and necrosis.

Meningioma

A type of tumor that may require watchful waiting if small and asymptomatic, but surgery is the main treatment.

Neurological dysfunction

Symptoms indicating disturbances in the nervous system, often arising from CNS tumours.

CSF cytology

A diagnostic procedure involving the examination of cerebrospinal fluid for cancer cells.

Radiotherapy

A treatment modality utilizing radiation to target and destroy cancer cells, particularly effective in CNS tumours.

Ependymoma

Tumours arising from ependymal cells, requiring safe resection for optimal treatment outcomes.

Hydrocephalus

A condition often seen in pineal tumours caused by blockage of cerebrospinal fluid pathways, leading to increased intracranial pressure.

Acoustic neuroma

A benign tumour on the vestibular nerve, which may require surgical intervention if progressive.

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS)

A treatment focusing high doses of radiation on a tumour in a single fraction, commonly used for small tumours.

Chemotherapy

The use of chemical substances to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells, particularly in CNS tumours like GBM.

1p/19q codeletion

A molecular characteristic often associated with oligodendrogliomas.

MGMT promoter methylation

A test used to predict the response to certain chemotherapy treatments in glioma patients.

Pineoblastoma

A malignant pineal tumour that is fast-growing and typically requires aggressive treatment.

Low-grade glioma

CNS tumours classified as WHO grades I and II, generally treated with surgery and sometimes radiotherapy.

High-grade glioma

Includes WHO grades III and IV tumours that require aggressive treatments including surgery and radiotherapy.

Temozolomide

An oral chemotherapy used in conjunction with radiotherapy for glioblastoma.

Risk factors for CNS tumours

Include increasing age, female sex, exposure to radiation, and immunosuppression.

Clinical presentation of CNS tumours

Commonly includes neurological dysfunction, symptoms of raised intracranial pressure, and seizures.

Petuitary tumours

Tumours located at the base of the brain that can cause hormonal disturbances, often treated with dopamine agonists.

Chemoresistance

The inherent resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy, particularly in CNS tumours.

Prognostic features

Factors that influence outcomes such as age, extent of surgical excision, and tumour grade.

Craniospinal irradiation (CSI)

A treatment method for certain brain tumours that targets the brain and spinal cord.

Surgical resection

The surgical removal of a tumour, which is often the first step in managing CNS tumours.

Post-operative radiotherapy

Radiation therapy given after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

Neurofibromatosis

A genetic disorder that often leads to the formation of tumours along nerves, including acoustic neuromas.

Contrast-enhanced MRI

An imaging technique used to visualize CNS tumours using gadolinium contrast.

WHO 2007 classification

A system categorizing CNS tumours based on histological and molecular characteristics.

Molecular genetics

The study of the structure and function of genes at a molecular level, important for CNS tumour diagnosis.

Electrophysiologically guided resection

A surgical technique that uses electrical activity to help locate and remove tumours.

Stereotactic biopsy

A minimally invasive procedure used to obtain tissue samples from the brain.

Radical radiotherapy

A form of radiotherapy aimed at cure, often used in malignant CNS tumours.

Cranial nerve palsies

Weakness of cranial nerves that can cause symptoms in CNS tumours located near the skull base.

Neoplasm

An abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign or malignant.

Neurosurgery

A specialized field of surgery focused on the treatment of CNS conditions, including tumour resections.

Survival rates

The percentage of patients who survive a particular type of cancer for a specific period, often affected by tumour characteristics.

Performance status

A measure of a patient's general well-being and ability to perform daily activities, used to gauge prognosis.

Symptomatology

The study of symptoms, particularly relevant in assessing patients with CNS tumours.