Cancer and Tumor Grading in the Brain

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of primary brain tumors?

They originate from tissues outside the brain.

They are always malignant and invasive.

They tend to spread to other parts of the body.

They begin in the brain and tend to stay in the brain. (correct)

Which factor is commonly linked to the development of brain tumors?

Consuming high amounts of water.

Genetic predisposition and hereditary factors. (correct)

Excessive physical activity.

Frequent use of smartphones.

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with brain tumors?

Unusual headaches.

Seizures.

Visual changes such as blurred vision.

Increased physical endurance. (correct)

What percentage of admissions in brain tumor rehabilitation studies are typically associated with Glioblastoma?

30% Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor has been implicated in the etiology of brain tumors?

Pesticides and chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant side effect of chemotherapy that can impact rehabilitation?

Nausea and vomiting Signup and view all the answers

Which medication can be used to help manage nausea during chemotherapy?

Ondansetron Signup and view all the answers

What is a common risk associated with chemotherapy that involves blood cell counts?

Neutropenia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential long-term side effect of radiation therapy?

Cognitive decline Signup and view all the answers

What percentage range represents the incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with high-grade gliomas?

3%–60% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can occur as a side effect of radiation therapy?

Local alopecia Signup and view all the answers

What complication can arise from surgery in patients with brain tumors regarding blood clots?

Deep vein thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

What can corticosteroids help alleviate during radiation therapy?

Nausea and vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern for patients undergoing surgery for brain tumors regarding their functional status?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why is chemotherapy not commonly used for benign brain tumors?

It is ineffective for benign tumors. Signup and view all the answers

What are common side effects of radiation therapy for brain tumor patients?

Hair loss and fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What complication should be monitored in brain tumor patients post-surgery?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern for caregivers of brain tumor patients?

Safety and caregiving responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What factors are considered to ideally select a candidate for brain tumor surgery?

Patient age, functional status, and accessibility of lesions Signup and view all the answers

Which tumor grade indicates the fastest growth and highest aggressiveness?

Grade IV Signup and view all the answers

How can care of the caregiver be impacted in families dealing with brain tumors?

It takes a secondary or tertiary place. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Brain Tumors Overview

Originates from abnormal cells in the brain or central spine canal, leading to growth that forms a mass.
Tumors are classified as primary (originating in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from other body sites).
Always malignant when metastasized.

Tumor Grading (WHO System)

Grade I: Least malignant, slow growth.
Grade II: Slow growing, potential for spread and recurrence.
Grade III: Faster growth, higher malignancy, often recurring.
Grade IV: Most aggressive, fastest growing; may consist of various cell grades.

Common Primary Brain Tumors

Meningioma
Gliomas:
- Low Grade Astrocytoma
- Malignant Astrocytoma
- Glioblastoma
- Oligodendroglioma
Medulloblastoma

Family Impact of Brain Tumors

Shift in traditional family roles and dynamics.
Possibility of single parenting within two-parent households.
Loss of existing relationships and changes in caregiving responsibilities.
Emotional fears related to seizures, behavioral changes, future uncertainties, and caregiver neglect.

Treatment and Rehabilitation Implications

Surgery:
- Primary treatment for most patients; improves survival and quality of life.
- Ideal candidates: surgically accessible tumors, good functional status, younger patients, well-controlled primary tumors.
Chemotherapy:
- Not typically effective for benign or metastatic tumors.
- Increasing use in primary malignant tumors; side effects include nausea and thrombocytopenia.
Radiation Therapy:
- Uses high-energy beams to damage tumor cells; administered on an outpatient basis.
- Side effects: skin issues, fatigue, cognitive decline, and potential long-term memory impairment.
- Corticosteroids may alleviate symptoms during treatment.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
- Patients with brain tumors are at risk for thromboembolic events, with DVT incidence ranging from 3%-60% post-surgery, affected by prophylaxis used.

Epidemiology

Incidence of brain tumors: 8-25 per 100,000 individuals.
Second leading cause of cancer-related death.
Among rehabilitation admissions for brain tumors, approximately:
- 30% are Glioblastoma
- 25% are metastatic tumors (most commonly from lung and breast cancers)
- 20% are meningiomas.

Common Symptoms of Brain Tumors

Unusual headaches.
Seizures.
Changes in memory, personality, or behavior.
Difficulty processing information.
Visual disturbances (blurred or double vision).
Changes in motor control.

Etiology Factors

Genetic predispositions and hereditary factors.
Viral infections, particularly Epstein-Barr linked to primary brain lymphoma.
Environmental exposures (e.g., pesticides, chemicals).

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of primary and metastatic brain tumors, focusing on their grading and characteristics as defined by the WHO international grading system. Learn about various types of brain tumors and their malignant potential in this informative quiz.