Brain Tumors
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Brain tumours refers to a diverse group of neoplasms originating from intracranial tissues and the meninges with malignancy levels ranging from benign to aggressive. Each tumour type has its own biology, treatment, and prognosis and risk factors.[1] More than 50 per cent are malignant with poor prognosis despite surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Brain tumors are an important cause for morbidity, mortality[2] and long-term disabling effects[3] for adults and children, which can be a burden for both families and health-care system [2]. These effects are due to the tumor itself or because of the effects of medical management, for instance, surgical complications, chemotherapy effects and neurotoxic effects of radiation. It is proved that even benign or low -grade brain tumors can cause significant disabiity[3].
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Brain tumours increase in frequency with age, with notable exceptions (e.g. pilocytic astrocytoma, most occur in young people), and some uncommon tumours found in infancy.
Sex differences:
- Gliomas are more frequent in men
- Meningiomas are more frequent in women.[4]
Apart from genetic tendency, the largest environmental risk factor for brain tumours is exposure to high doses of ionising radiation.[1]
Classification of brain tumor[edit | edit source]
Brain tumour is an umbrella term for numerous individual tumours. Note figures shown vary significantly dependant on study. They are mainly classified into:
- Neuroepithelial (50%): astrocytoma (44%); ependymoma (3%); medulloblastoma (3%); oligodendroglioma (2%)
- Meningioma (15%)
- Metastases (15%)
- Pituitary tumours (8%)
- Vestibular schwannoma (8%)
- Primary CNS lymphoma (2.5%)
- Pineal tumours
- Intracranial germ cell tumours 0.4% to 3.4%
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 McKinney PA. Brain tumours: incidence, survival, and aetiology. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. 2004 Jun 1;75(suppl 2):ii12-7. Available:https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/75/suppl_2/ii12 (accessed 18.1.2023)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 de Robles P, Fiest KM, Frolkis AD, Pringsheim T, Atta C, St. Germaine-Smith C, Day L, Lam D, Jette N. The worldwide incidence and prevalence of primary brain tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuro-oncology. 2015 Jun 1;17(6):776-83.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Vargo M. Brain tumor rehabilitation. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. 2011 May 1;90(5):S50-62.
- ↑ Radiopedia Brain Tumours Available:https://radiopaedia.org/articles/brain-tumours (accessed 18.1.2023)
