Brain tumors can be primary (begin in the brain) or metastatic (spread from other cancers). Nearly 79,000 new primary brain tumors are diagnosed each year in the US, including 4,800 in children. Common primary brain tumor types include meningiomas and gliomas such as astrocytomas. Brain tumors are typically diagnosed using MRI scans and treated through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Symptoms vary based on tumor location and size but may include headaches, seizures, and cognitive or behavioral changes that impact both patients and their families.
The slides give brief information about brain tumor ,its types and symptoms.
The presentation will help you to know more about a condition leading to neurological disturbances.
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain or central spine that can disrupt proper brain function. Doctors refer to a tumor based on where the tumor cells originated, and whether they are cancerous (malignant) or not (benign).
you will learn about brain tumor, types of brain tumor, grading of brain tumor, risk factors for brain tumor, diagnosis for brain tumor, treatment for brain tumor, supportive care and rehabilitation for patients with brain tumor.
World brain tumor day # june 8 # awareness Bhavan Bhavsar
World Brain Tumor Day is celebrated annually on 8th of June.
Brain tumor is a condition that occurs when the cells in the brain multiply in an abnormal way or a way that cannot be controlled. The tumor can be malignant meaning it is cancerous or it can be non-cancerous (benign).
The tumors are graded from grade 1 to 4 and this depends with their location, how fast the cells are multiplying and the spread to adjacent areas/organs.
The symptoms of brain cancer will vary from one person to another depending with the exact location of the tumor in the brain.
The common symptoms that may occur include:
Seizures
Persistent and severe headaches (migraines)
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Drowsiness
Behavioral and mental alterations like changes in personality and memory problems
Progressive weakness or paralysis of limbs located on one side of the body
Speech problems
Vision problems
if you know somebody having the same problem advise to meet the doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.
Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility...Sujoy Dasgupta
Dr Sujoy Dasgupta presented the study on "Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility? – The unexplored stories of non-consummation" in the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE 2024) at Manila on 24 May, 2024.
The slides give brief information about brain tumor ,its types and symptoms.
The presentation will help you to know more about a condition leading to neurological disturbances.
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain or central spine that can disrupt proper brain function. Doctors refer to a tumor based on where the tumor cells originated, and whether they are cancerous (malignant) or not (benign).
you will learn about brain tumor, types of brain tumor, grading of brain tumor, risk factors for brain tumor, diagnosis for brain tumor, treatment for brain tumor, supportive care and rehabilitation for patients with brain tumor.
World brain tumor day # june 8 # awareness Bhavan Bhavsar
World Brain Tumor Day is celebrated annually on 8th of June.
Brain tumor is a condition that occurs when the cells in the brain multiply in an abnormal way or a way that cannot be controlled. The tumor can be malignant meaning it is cancerous or it can be non-cancerous (benign).
The tumors are graded from grade 1 to 4 and this depends with their location, how fast the cells are multiplying and the spread to adjacent areas/organs.
The symptoms of brain cancer will vary from one person to another depending with the exact location of the tumor in the brain.
The common symptoms that may occur include:
Seizures
Persistent and severe headaches (migraines)
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Drowsiness
Behavioral and mental alterations like changes in personality and memory problems
Progressive weakness or paralysis of limbs located on one side of the body
Speech problems
Vision problems
if you know somebody having the same problem advise to meet the doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.
Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility...Sujoy Dasgupta
Dr Sujoy Dasgupta presented the study on "Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility? – The unexplored stories of non-consummation" in the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE 2024) at Manila on 24 May, 2024.
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journeygreendigital
Tom Selleck, an enduring figure in Hollywood. has captivated audiences for decades with his rugged charm, iconic moustache. and memorable roles in television and film. From his breakout role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. to his current portrayal of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Selleck's career has spanned over 50 years. But beyond his professional achievements. fans have often been curious about Tom Selleck Health. especially as he has aged in the public eye.
Follow us on: Pinterest
Introduction
Many have been interested in Tom Selleck health. not only because of his enduring presence on screen but also because of the challenges. and lifestyle choices he has faced and made over the years. This article delves into the various aspects of Tom Selleck health. exploring his fitness regimen, diet, mental health. and the challenges he has encountered as he ages. We'll look at how he maintains his well-being. the health issues he has faced, and his approach to ageing .
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Athletic Beginnings
Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. From an early age, he was involved in sports, particularly basketball. which played a significant role in his physical development. His athletic pursuits continued into college. where he attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. This early involvement in sports laid a strong foundation for his physical health and disciplined lifestyle.
Transition to Acting
Selleck's transition from an athlete to an actor came with its physical demands. His first significant role in "Magnum P.I." required him to perform various stunts and maintain a fit appearance. This role, which he played from 1980 to 1988. necessitated a rigorous fitness routine to meet the show's demands. setting the stage for his long-term commitment to health and wellness.
Fitness Regimen
Workout Routine
Tom Selleck health and fitness regimen has evolved. adapting to his changing roles and age. During his "Magnum, P.I." days. Selleck's workouts were intense and focused on building and maintaining muscle mass. His routine included weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises. and specific training for the stunts he performed on the show.
Selleck adjusted his fitness routine as he aged to suit his body's needs. Today, his workouts focus on maintaining flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. He incorporates low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and light weightlifting. This balanced approach helps him stay fit without putting undue strain on his joints and muscles.
Importance of Flexibility and Mobility
In recent years, Selleck has emphasized the importance of flexibility and mobility in his fitness regimen. Understanding the natural decline in muscle mass and joint flexibility with age. he includes stretching and yoga in his routine. These practices help prevent injuries, improve posture, and maintain mobilit
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
New Drug Discovery and Development .....NEHA GUPTA
The "New Drug Discovery and Development" process involves the identification, design, testing, and manufacturing of novel pharmaceutical compounds with the aim of introducing new and improved treatments for various medical conditions. This comprehensive endeavor encompasses various stages, including target identification, preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and post-market surveillance. It involves multidisciplinary collaboration among scientists, researchers, clinicians, regulatory experts, and pharmaceutical companies to bring innovative therapies to market and address unmet medical needs.
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH), or beverage alcohol, is a two-carbon alcohol
that is rapidly distributed in the body and brain. Ethanol alters many
neurochemical systems and has rewarding and addictive properties. It
is the oldest recreational drug and likely contributes to more morbidity,
mortality, and public health costs than all illicit drugs combined. The
5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) integrates alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single
disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD), with mild, moderate,
and severe subclassifications (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In the DSM-5, all types of substance abuse and dependence have been
combined into a single substance use disorder (SUD) on a continuum
from mild to severe. A diagnosis of AUD requires that at least two of
the 11 DSM-5 behaviors be present within a 12-month period (mild
AUD: 2–3 criteria; moderate AUD: 4–5 criteria; severe AUD: 6–11 criteria).
The four main behavioral effects of AUD are impaired control over
drinking, negative social consequences, risky use, and altered physiological
effects (tolerance, withdrawal). This chapter presents an overview
of the prevalence and harmful consequences of AUD in the U.S.,
the systemic nature of the disease, neurocircuitry and stages of AUD,
comorbidities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, genetic risk factors, and
pharmacotherapies for AUD.
Recomendações da OMS sobre cuidados maternos e neonatais para uma experiência pós-natal positiva.
Em consonância com os ODS – Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Estratégia Global para a Saúde das Mulheres, Crianças e Adolescentes, e aplicando uma abordagem baseada nos direitos humanos, os esforços de cuidados pós-natais devem expandir-se para além da cobertura e da simples sobrevivência, de modo a incluir cuidados de qualidade.
Estas diretrizes visam melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados pós-natais essenciais e de rotina prestados às mulheres e aos recém-nascidos, com o objetivo final de melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar materno e neonatal.
Uma “experiência pós-natal positiva” é um resultado importante para todas as mulheres que dão à luz e para os seus recém-nascidos, estabelecendo as bases para a melhoria da saúde e do bem-estar a curto e longo prazo. Uma experiência pós-natal positiva é definida como aquela em que as mulheres, pessoas que gestam, os recém-nascidos, os casais, os pais, os cuidadores e as famílias recebem informação consistente, garantia e apoio de profissionais de saúde motivados; e onde um sistema de saúde flexível e com recursos reconheça as necessidades das mulheres e dos bebês e respeite o seu contexto cultural.
Estas diretrizes consolidadas apresentam algumas recomendações novas e já bem fundamentadas sobre cuidados pós-natais de rotina para mulheres e neonatos que recebem cuidados no pós-parto em unidades de saúde ou na comunidade, independentemente dos recursos disponíveis.
É fornecido um conjunto abrangente de recomendações para cuidados durante o período puerperal, com ênfase nos cuidados essenciais que todas as mulheres e recém-nascidos devem receber, e com a devida atenção à qualidade dos cuidados; isto é, a entrega e a experiência do cuidado recebido. Estas diretrizes atualizam e ampliam as recomendações da OMS de 2014 sobre cuidados pós-natais da mãe e do recém-nascido e complementam as atuais diretrizes da OMS sobre a gestão de complicações pós-natais.
O estabelecimento da amamentação e o manejo das principais intercorrências é contemplada.
Recomendamos muito.
Vamos discutir essas recomendações no nosso curso de pós-graduação em Aleitamento no Instituto Ciclos.
Esta publicação só está disponível em inglês até o momento.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
www.agostodourado.com
Flu Vaccine Alert in Bangalore Karnatakaaddon Scans
As flu season approaches, health officials in Bangalore, Karnataka, are urging residents to get their flu vaccinations. The seasonal flu, while common, can lead to severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Vidisha Kumari, a leading epidemiologist in Bangalore, emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated. "The flu vaccine is our best defense against the influenza virus. It not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in our communities," he says.
This year, the flu season is expected to coincide with a potential increase in other respiratory illnesses. The Karnataka Health Department has launched an awareness campaign highlighting the significance of flu vaccinations. They have set up multiple vaccination centers across Bangalore, making it convenient for residents to receive their shots.
To encourage widespread vaccination, the government is also collaborating with local schools, workplaces, and community centers to facilitate vaccination drives. Special attention is being given to ensuring that the vaccine is accessible to all, including marginalized communities who may have limited access to healthcare.
Residents are reminded that the flu vaccine is safe and effective. Common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or muscle aches. These side effects are generally short-lived and far less severe than the flu itself.
Healthcare providers are also stressing the importance of continuing COVID-19 precautions. Wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing are still crucial, especially in crowded places.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated. Together, we can help keep Bangalore healthy and safe this flu season. For more information on vaccination centers and schedules, residents can visit the Karnataka Health Department’s official website or follow their social media pages.
Stay informed, stay safe, and get your flu shot today!
Ozempic: Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Saeid Safari
Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists like Ozempic and Semiglutide
ASA GUIDELINE
NYSORA Guideline
2 Case Reports of Gastric Ultrasound
Explore natural remedies for syphilis treatment in Singapore. Discover alternative therapies, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes that may complement conventional treatments. Learn about holistic approaches to managing syphilis symptoms and supporting overall health.
2. Brain Tumor Impact in the United
States
• More than 79,000 new cases of primary brain
tumors will be diagnosed this year
• More than 4,800 children between the ages of 0 –
19 will be diagnosed with a brain tumor this year
• Brain and central nervous system tumors are the
most common cancers among children 0 – 14
• Almost 700,000 people in the U.S. are living with a
primary brain or central nervous system tumor
• This year, nearly 17,000 people will lose their battle
with a brain tumor
• More than 100 types of brain tumors exist
Information provided by the CBTRUS http://www.cbtrus.org/factsheet/factsheet.html
4. What is a brain tumor?
• A collection of abnormal cells that grows in the
brain or central spine canal
• One abnormal cell
becomes two,
two becomes four,
four becomes eight,
until there is a
lump of abnormal cells
5. How do tumors form?
• Research is still trying to determine
– Multiple insults to the cell?
– One big hit?
– Compromised immune system?
– Cell-to-cell communications?
7. Common signs and symptoms of a
brain tumor
• unusual headaches
• seizure(s)
• memory, personality, or behavior changes
• inability to process incoming information correctly
• visual changes: blurred vision, double vision
• change in motor control
9. How brain tumors are diagnosed - MRI
• MRI scanning remains the gold standard
• CT scan for emergencies, then MRI
10. Diagnosis continued…
• Surgery/tissue samples still most reliable method
• Biomarkers in tissue and bodily fluids are being
used to confirm diagnosis
11. Two broad categories of brain tumors
• Primary Brain Tumors in U.S.
– begin in the brain, tend to stay in the brain
– incidence = nearly 79,000 diagnosed annually
• 4,800 are children
– Prevalence = nearly 700,000 people
– “benign versus malignant” and everything
between
• Metastatic Brain Tumors in the U.S.
– begin as a cancer elsewhere which spreads to
the brain
– always malignant
13. Metastatic brain tumors
• “Type” = the site of the primary cancer
• Single or multiple tumors
• Patients tend to receive
treatment for metastatic brain
tumor by oncologist who treated
primary site, or a neuro-
oncologist who specializes
in brain tumors.
14. Primary brain tumors
• Begin in the brain
• Over 100 types
• “Type” determined by cell type; classification
changing to biologic differences
• The biology provides clues as to why some people
do better than others
• Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States
(CBTRUS) tracks the
incidence of brain
tumors
16. Tumor grading
• International grading system by WHO
• Graded I – IV
– Grade I – least malignant, slow growth
– Grade II – slow growing, but can spread, some
recurrence
– Grade III – faster growing, “malignant,” often
recurrence
– Grade IV – fastest, most aggressive
• Tumor may contain several “grades” of cells at
once
17. Most common primary brain tumors
• Meningioma
• Gliomas
– Low Grade Astrocytoma
– Malignant Astrocytoma
– Glioblastoma
– Oligodendroglioma
• Medulloblastoma, Ependymoma, Pilocytic
Astrocytoma (more common in children)
18. Meningioma
• Most common type of primary tumor
Arises from the meninges = the lining of the brain
Google Images, www.student.bmj.com
(Left is right, right is left, bone is bright white)
19. Malignant Glioma
• Gliomas arise from the glial, or “gluey,” parts of the
brain
• Different types of gliomas = astrocytomas,
oligodendrogliomas, mixed gliomas
(Left is right, right is left, bone is bright white,
malignant tumor with contrast dye is grey)
Midline shift, Google Images,
http://www.ispub.com/xml/journals/ija/vol8n2/pregnant
-fig1.jpg
20. Anaplastic Astrocytoma
High grade tumor, pre-
treatment
(Left is right, right is left)
http://radiopaedia.org/cases/anaplastic-astrocytoma-who-grade-iii
25. How are brain tumors treated?
• Surgery to remove tumor bulk
• Radiation to disable cell reproduction/shrink the
tumor
• Chemotherapy to either kill tumor cells or interfere
with their growth
26. Where are new treatments headed?
Neuronavigation setup with VarioGuide™, courtesy BrainLab
27. Where new treatments are headed
cont.
• Enhanced tumor cell visibility/visualizing single
cells live imaging and treatment during surgery
• Highly focused radiation, radiation enhancers
• Targeted drug therapies, “Repurposed” drugs
• Low intensity, intermediate frequency, alternating
electric fields that disrupt cell growth
• Immune system enhancing drugs
• Combination diagnostics and therapeutics
• Biomarkers
28. Prognosis
• Definition: Prediction of how long someone may
live with a tumor
• Benign tumors = greatest predictor of survival is
extent of tumor removal/likelihood of recurrence,
long term survival impacted by QOL
• Malignant tumors = greatest predictor is age
(< 45), amount of tumor removed, type of
tumor/biologic activity, functional status
• Why may one GBM be different than the next?
general health/co-morbidities and location
29. Effects on patients with Malignant
Tumors
• neurocognition –
– slower processing
– poor attention
– short term memory
– lack of abstract thinking ability
• changes in personality/judgment
• fatigue
• headaches
• left/right, up/down confusion
• visual changes/lack of depth perception
30. Effects on patients with Benign Tumors
• “But you look fine to me”
• fatigue
• math, reading challenges
• short term memory issues
• employment/job related challenges
• balance, walking challenges
• personality/mood changes
31. Effects on the family
• change of traditional roles
• single parenting in a two parent household
• loss of relationships as they existed
• caregiving/caretaking/safety responsibilities
• fear of seizures
• fear of personality/behavior changes
• fear of the unknown
• fear of the future
• “care of the caregiver” takes second or third place
32. Recap
Tumors that begin in the brain are called
____________ brain tumors.
What is the annual incidence of brain tumors?
Name two common types of brain tumors.
What is the most common type of primary brain
tumor?
How are brain tumors diagnosed? Treated?
What are some of the effects of a brain tumor?
Editor's Notes
As you can tell from the others here today and the statistics on this page, you are not alone.
Here are some facts about the prevalence of brain tumors and types in the United States.
[Read bullets from page]
I just mentioned that there are more than 100 types of brain tumors. However, all brain tumors have some factors in common. Let‘s start by defining what a brain tumor is, and common terms you might hear that describe brain tumors.
Our brains, along with the rest of our body, are made up of cells. In a typical adult body, new cells only form to replace old or damaged ones. In children, new cells form to help children grow and develop.
Sometimes, a collection of abnormal cells begins to multiply where they are not needed. One abnormal cell becomes two, two become four, four becomes eight, and they develop into a lump of cells.
When this lump of cells grows in the brain or the central spine canal, it is called a brain tumor.
Cells begin to multiply out of control when normal cells acquire an error – usually called a mutation – in their DNA. Researchers are examining a number of factors that could contribute to the causes of cell mutation. Some of these factors are highlighted here.
There may be multiple insults – or injuries – to the cell from physical trauma, radiation, or carcinogens.
Perhaps a single traumatic hit damaged the cell and caused the abnormality.
A compromised immune system may allow mutated cells to continue living and growing.
Cell-to-cell communication may also play a role. Cells in our bodies talk to each other through chemical signals. Although scientists are still learning about this, it is possible that some of these chemical signals may damage a cell’s DNA.
The lump of abnormal cells is most commonly called a tumor. Other words used to describe tumors are neoplasm, lesion, or space occupying mass. A neoplasm can be benign or malignant (or cancerous). We’ll talk more about cancerous vs. non- cancerous tumors when we discuss the different types of brain tumors.
You or your loved one most likely experienced one or more of these symptoms before being diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Common symptoms include:
Unusual or new headaches
One or more seizures, which can simply be an involuntary movement of an extremity or a blanked-out look where the person remains conscious. On the other hand, the person may have a generalized seizure with full body shaking, falling to the ground, and the person is unconscious.
Some people experience memory, personality, or behavioral changes. These symptoms are often seen by their loved ones first.
Other people may develop blurred vision or double vision.
And they may have change in motor control, like difficulty controlling movement
Let’s take a quick look at the brain.
Symptoms are often related to the location of the tumor. As in the illustration, different parts of the brain have unique functions. The frontal lobe controls thoughts and reasoning, and primary movement. The parietal lobe regulates sensation, sensory perception and spatial relationships. The temporal lobe controls behavior, memory, emotion, and hearing and vision pathways. The cerebellum controls balance. The brain stem has many connections to and from the spinal cord to the brain. In fact, there are many connections all over the brain.
The tumor location can affect the specific function of that part of the brain where it is located.
To determine whether or not a patient with these symptoms has a brain tumor, and to get more information about the tumor, an MRI with a contrast dye remains the gold standard for brain tumor diagnosis. If a person is taken to the emergency room for neurological symptoms, a CT scan is commonly the first test done. If a brain tumor is suspected from the results of the CT Scan, usually the doctor will then order an MRI.
Once a brain tumor has been identified, tissue samples of the brain tumor are the most reliable method of diagnosis to determine the nature of the abnormality.
After the tumor’s cells are removed, a pathologist is able to examine the cell types under a microscope.
In addition, your doctor may perform other tests that will provide data about the genomic characteristics of the tumor. These are called biomarkers, and can be found in the abnormal cells themselves, or sometimes in the blood and other bodily fluids as well. Biomarker analysis is needed to determine the type of tumor and plan a course for treatment.
Tumors are generally divided into two broad categories.
Brain tumors are either primary or metastatic in nature. The main difference is where the tumor originates.
Primary brain tumors begin in the brain, and tend to stay in the brain. As previously stated, nearly 70,000 brain tumors are diagnosed annually, and about 4,600 of these cases are in children. Nearly 700,000 people are living with a primary brain tumor. Primary brain tumors may be benign – meaning they are not cancerous – or they may be malignant (or cancerous). Some tumors are “in between” and cannot easily be classified as benign or malignant.
Metastatic tumors begin as a cancer somewhere else in the body and spread to the brain. They are almost always malignant.
Here are MRI Scans of primary and metastatic brain tumors. About two thirds of patients with metastatic brain tumors have more than one tumor.
Metastatic tumors are considered an extension of the tumor from the primary cancer site, such as breast, lung, or skin. A person may have just one tumor, but as previously stated, two thirds of the time, there will be more than one tumor. Metastatic tumors are commonly treated by the medical oncologist who has been treating the cancer at the primary site. Neuro-oncologists – doctors who specialize in brain tumors – can also be consulted.
Primary brain tumors start in the brain. The type of tumor is determined by what type of cell the tumor is made of. For example, an astrocytoma tumor is made of mutated astrocyte cells. Classification is changing based upon the biology of the tumor, including the biomarkers we discussed before. The Central Brain Tumor Registry is the organization that tracks the statistics of primary brain tumors.
Benign brain tumors are considered noncancerous. They are slow growing. Even if a tumor is benign, the tumor can affect function depending on its location. A malignant tumor is faster growing and invades the brain.
Tumors are given a “grade” – one through four – to help your care team plan treatment. The grade levels are part of an international system put in place by the World Health Organization. The tumors are graded according to their malignancy.
Grade I tumors are the least malignant and are usually associated with long-term survival. They grow slowly, and can often be effectively removed by surgery.
Grade II tumors are relatively slow-growing and can spread into nearby normal tissue. They can recur, sometimes as a higher-grade tumor.
Grade III tumors are considered malignant. The cells of a grade III tumor are more actively reproducing and grow into nearby brain tissue. These tumors tend to recur.
Grade IV tumors are the most malignant. They reproduce rapidly, and may even form new blood vessels to fuel their rapid growth.
Within the tumor there may be different “grades” of cells. Some cells may be growing more slowly while others are growing rapidly. The tumor is graded based on the most malignant cells detected.
The most common tumor types include meningioma and glioma, which includes low grade astrocytoma, malignant astrocytoma, glioblastoma and oligodendroglioma. The next most common tumors include medulloblastoma, ependymoma and pilocytic astrocytoma. These tumors are more common in children.
I’ll go into more detail about these common tumor types.
The meningioma arises from the meninges, the covering of the brain.
The picture on the left shows the tumor, the large white spot in the lower right-hand section of the brain. The meningioma is labeled on the right. Most of the time, meningiomas are not actually invading the brain, they are just pushing on the brain.
Meningiomas are commonly slow growing and may not recur if the tumor is completely removed. A person can have neurological impairment if the meningioma is pushing on a functional area. For example, if the tumor is pushing on the optic nerves, there could be vision loss.
Gliomas arise from the glial cells which surround the nerve cells in the brain. They are the most numerous cells in the central nervous system.
Malignant primary brain tumors, such as a glioblastomas, typically grow faster than benign tumors, and aggressively invade surrounding tissue.
There are many different types of glial cells, so many of the names of gliomas refer to the types of cells affected.
For example, astocytomas develop in the glial cells called astrocytes, which form connective tissue in the brain.
Oligodendrogliomas develop in the oligodendrocytes, which are glial cells that make up the brain’s supportive tissue.
A mixed glioma is made up of more than one type of glial cell; however, with new technologies, doctors are now able to more accurately diagnose these tumors as either astro- or oligodenroglioma, so this diagnosis is becoming more rare.
Here is a picture of an Anaplastic Astrocytoma, a type of glioma. It is also called a grade III astrocytoma, or a grade III malignant astrocytoma.
Here is a picture of a Glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of glioma. It is also known as a grade IV astrocytoma.
Brain tumors do not discriminate between people of color, or socio economic status, and have only a little difference between males and females. Younger adults tend to have low-grade tumors, and older adults will more likely have malignant tumors.
This graph shows the types of tumors in children aged 0 to 19. Gliomas other than pilocytic astrocytomas are the most common tumor type. Pilocytic astrocytomas the next most common as seen on the blue line, followed by medulloblastomas.
This graph shows tumor age groups form 20 to 75+years. The incidence for meningioma rises as people grow older. Glioblastomas also rise in frequency with older age. Oligodendrogliomas, vestibular schwannomas and oligoastrocytoma frequencies remain largely the same over the years.
The most common treatment for brain tumors include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgery is used to remove as much of the tumor as possible without causing neurological harm. Radiation is used to disable cell reproduction and shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy is used to kill tumor cells or interfere with their growth.
In addition to these traditional therapies, new treatments are always being researched.
As medical technology advances, it’s opening up more options for treatment.
For example, better imaging during surgery leads to greater brain tumor visibility for the neurosurgeon and greater chances for more accurate tumor removal.
Radiation oncologists have been experimenting with different types of radiation and radiation enhancers.
Neuro oncologists are working with targeted drug therapies and drugs used for other purposes to be tried for brain tumors.
They have also been using alternating electrical fields that disrupt cell growth,
And trying new immune system enhancing drugs.
And, as we’ve mentioned before, researchers continue to seek answers about tumors through identifying DNA biomarkers in blood and other fluids.
We are in a very active and exciting time of brain tumor research.
A person with a brain tumor is given a diagnosis and treatment plan, along with a prognosis.
A prognosis is the prediction of how long someone may live with the tumor.
If the tumor is benign, the prognosis is based on how much of the tumor is removed. The more the tumor is removed, the better prognosis. A person may live a long time with a benign tumor, but if it is located in an area that controls functions such as speech, vision, movement or memory, it can impact quality of life.
For malignant brain tumors, poorer survival is associated with age greater than 45 years, the amount of tumor removed, and tumor type.
Not all brain tumors of the same type respond to treatment the same way. Every tumor has its own genomic make up even if it has the same name (e.g., Glioblastoma). If someone has other illnesses or is poorly functioning, the survival time may be shortened. Tumor location also affects survival.
Many changes can occur due to the tumor or treatment. These are some of the symptoms. They often impact the patient’s ability to function as before.
[Read bullets]
Patients diagnosed with benign tumors have similar problems to patients with malignant tumors. Unfortunately, these problems can cause changes in many aspects of one’s life.
[read bullets]
All of these aspects are very important. Having a brain tumor is a family disease because it affects everyone.
[read bullets]
To recap, we’ve gone through the basics about brain tumors today.
We’ve explored major types of tumors, as well as specific types. We’ve talked about diagnosis, treatment and some of the effects of brain tumors.
Obviously, there is a lot more to know about brain tumors.