Brain Tumors

Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is an abnormal collection of cells in the brain, in which the cells divide and grow uncontrollably leading to an abnormal mass of tissue
The 2 main groups of brain tumors are Primary and Metastatic
The presentation of brain tumors depends on the areas of brain involved. They can present with:
- Headache
- Seizures
- Focal neurologic deficit as a result of
  - Weakness
  - Numbness
  - Speech difficulties
  - Visual deficits
  - Imbalance
  - Personality changes
Diagnosis involves cranial imaging
- Head CT
  - Typically the first imaging test to be done
  - Able to detect swelling in the brain but the resolution is often not high enough to assess the exact location, size and shape of the tumor
  - Administration of contrast helps to define the tumor
- Brain MRI
  - Typical imaging modality for brain tumors
  - Administration of contrast helps to define the tumors better
  - Typically aggressive tumors enhance after contrast
  - Allows visualization of the tumor in 3 dimensions