Description

Most common primary tumors of brain

• Malignant astrocytomas - Malignant astrocytomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Malignant astrocytomas generate symptoms and signs by mass effect, local brain infiltration, tissue destruction, cerebral edema, and increased intracranial pressure. Headaches and seizures are the most frequent initial symptoms. Associated focal neurologic signs and symptoms occur depending on the anatomic location of the tumor. Confusion and mental status difficulties occur in patients with large tumors, those that cross the corpus callosum and those with a lot of associated edema.
• Other Astrocytomas - Tumors of presumed or known astrocytic lineage other than the malignant astrocytomas include a variety of tumors categorized by histology, location, age of onset, and natural history.
• Oligodendrogliomas -The oligodendrogliomas include low-grade oligodendroglioma, anaplastic oligodendroglioma, and oligoastrocytoma (mixed glioma). This group of tumors, although less common than astrocytomas, has received increased attention in the past decade because of reports of chemosensitivity and a favorable survival rate when compared with astrocytomas of similar grade.
• Brain Stem Gliomas - Brain stem glioma is a distinct category of central nervous system tumor because of its unique location and behavior. The histology of brain stem gliomas spans the spectrum of gliomas located elsewhere in the central nervous system. The cause of these tumors is still unknown. Researchers have not found any direct genetic link.
• Pituitary Region Tumors - A wide variety of tumors can occur in and around the sella turcica. The most common tumors in this region are craniopharyngiomas, pituitary adenomas, meningiomas, and optic chiasm gliomas. Visual impairment is a common presenting symptom, due to compression or invasion of the optic chiasm.
• Germ Cell and Pineal Region Tumors - Most tumors of the pineal region are either germinomas or pineal cell tumors, and are tumors of adolescents and young adults. Presentation relates to the location in the nervous system.
• Medulloblastoma and Other Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors - Medulloblastoma and other primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are a group of highly aggressive central nervous system tumors with a tendency to spread via cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These typically are tumors of childhood and young adulthood.
• Meningiomas and Other Meningeal Tumors :Meningioma is the most common tumor in the central nervous system. Although most are slow growing and histologically benign, they can induce significant symptoms depending on location.