Brain Tumors

The surgical treatment of various intracranial tumours is obviously one of the main areas of a neurosurgeon's work. There is a large number of different tumours that can occur in the brain, arising from a variety of different tissues. These include tumours of the nerve cells and their supporting structures, tumours of the lining membranes of the brain (meninges), various tumours associated with the pituitary gland, and tumours occurring on some of the cranial nerves (acoustic neuromas). The brain can also be the site of tumour seedlings (metastases) from disease in other organs of the body.

Symptoms and Signs

Tumours can cause symptoms either by taking up space within the skull, leading to an increase in pressure within the head, or by interfering with the function of the adjacent brain or cranial nerves. Common symptoms therefore include headache, nausea and vomiting, epileptic fits or seizures and weakness or sensory loss in the face, arm or leg.

Imaging

Brain tumours can be imaged using CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some types of tumour may then need surgical treatment, such as diagnostic biopsy or, where possible, complete surgical removal. Adjuvant treatments such as radio and chemo therapy may also be needed.

Associated Terms

Glioma, meningioma, pituitary tumour, astrocytoma.