Table 18.1 Nomenclature of bone tumors

SYNONYMS
Brain tumors
Primary tumors of the central nervous system
EPIDEMIOLOGY & DEMOGRAPHICS
INCIDENCE (IN U.S.): Male: 9.2 cases/100,000 persons/yr; female: 8.1 cases / 100,000 persons / year
PREVALENCE (IN U.S.): Not reported
PREDOMINANT SEX: Male > female
PREDOMINANT AGE: Male: 75+ years; female: 65 to 74 years
PEAK INCIDENCE: Over age 64 years
GENETICS:
• Some tumor types are associated with specific chromosomal abnormalities.
• Incidence is increased in certain inherited diseases (e.g., neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis).
PHYSICAL FINDINGS & CLINICAL PRESENTATION
• Varies with tumor location, size, and rate of growth
• Generally: progressive signs and symptoms
• Headache as presenting symptom is seen in 25% of patients and develops later in 65%
• Seizures in 35% of patients
ETIOLOGY
• Most cases are idiopathic.
• Specific chromosomal abnormalities and prior cranial irradiation are sometimes implicated.
DIAGNOSIS
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
• Stroke
• Abscess
• Metastatic tumors
WORKUP
• Thorough history and physical examination to help resolve differential diagnosis
• MRI of brain, histologic confirmation if needed
LABORATORY TESTS
CSF cytology may yield histologic diagnosis.
IMAGING STUDIES (FIG. 65)
A neuroradiologist is able to diagnose tumor type with considerable accuracy, but all tumors should be biopsied for 100% accuracy. The biopsy should be subjected to histochemical analysis.
MRI with contrast is highly sensitive.
CT scan is useful if calcification or hemorrhage suspected.
TREATMENT
NONPHARMACOLOGIC THERAPY
• Surgical removal or debulking usually required. If the tumor is of a benign nature (e.g., meningioma, acoustic neuroma), no further therapy is usually required.
• Radiation is useful for certain types of tumors.
ACUTE GENERAL Rx
Steroids (e.g., dexamethasone 4 mg PO q6h) may be used as a temporizing measure to reduce edema.
CHRONIC Rx
Depending on tumor type, chemotherapy may be necessary
DISPOSITION
• Varies as a function of histologic type and age
REFERRAL
All cases warrant evaluation by an oncologist.

Brain neoplasm

BASIC INFORMATION
DEFINITION
Brain neoplasms are primary (nonmetastatic) tumors arising from one of many intracranial cellular substrates. Specific tumors and prognosis are listed under other headings.
     Although brain tumors are not always malignant-a condition that spreads and becomes potentially lethal-these growths are always serious because they can cause pressure in the brain and compression of nearby structures, interfering with normal brain activity.
     Primary brain tumors arise within the brain while secondary brain tumors spread from other parts of the body through the bloodstream. For tumors starting in the brain, about 60 percent of which are malignant, the cause is unknown. Tumors that begin as cancer elsewhere and spread to the brain are always malignant.
     The incidence of primary brain tumors is about 12 per 100,000 population. About 36,000 new cases occur in the United States annually. Because of di≈culties diagnosing and classifying brain tumors, exact statistics on secondary tumors are unknown.
     Symptoms vary according to location and size. The compression of brain tissue or nerve tracts, as well as expansion of the tumor, can cause symptoms such as seizures, headaches, muscle weakness, loss of vision or other sensory problems and speech di≈culties. An expanding tumor can increase pressure within the skull, causing headache, vomiting, visual disturbances and impaired mental functioning. Brain tumors are diagnosed with MRI and CT scanning.
     Surgery is a common treatment if the tumor is accessible and vital structures will not be disturbed. Radiation is used to stop a tumor’s growth or cause it to shrink. Chemotherapy destroys tumor cells that may remain after surgery and radiation. Steroid drugs relieve swelling and other symptoms.

Figure 65 Glioblastoma multiforme. Axial, A, and coronal, B, postcontrast enhanced T1-weighted image showing a large homogeneously contrast-enhancing mass in the right medial temporal lobe with extension across the midline.