Management of Brain Metastases
A significant number of cancer patients will develop intracranial metastases. In general, treatment of these lesions uses a combination of surgery and radiation. However, over the past several decades the…
Neoplastic Meningitis and Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression
Neoplastic meningitis, commonly referred to as carcinomatosis meningitis, leukemic meningitis, or lymphomatous meningitis, is the third most common central nervous system metastatic complication of systemic cancer and is the most…
Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an uncommon and aggressive variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that involves the brain, eyes, leptomeninges, or spinal cord. Therapeutic progress has been modest, and…
Medulloblastoma/Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor and Germ Cell Tumors
This article presents an overview of medulloblastomas, central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumors, and germ cell tumors for the practicing oncologist. Discussion includes the definition of these tumors, histopathologic findings,…
Meningiomas, Nerve Sheath Tumors, and Pituitary Tumors
This article gives an overview of meningiomas, pituitary tumors, and intracranial nerve sheath tumors as regards epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Discussion includes the definition of these tumors and their symptomatology,…
Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Despite new insights into glioblastoma pathophysiology, the prognosis for patients diagnosed with this highly aggressive tumor remains…
Anaplastic Gliomas
The optimal treatment of anaplastic gliomas is controversial. Options for treatment include radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of modalities. This article describes how treatment algorithms for anaplastic gliomas have evolved…
Low-Grade Gliomas
Low-grade gliomas are uncommon tumors whose optimal management remains to be determined. Although well-designed clinical trials have been mounted to address certain aspects of postoperative radiotherapeutic management, additional studies are…
Complications of Brain Tumors and Their Treatment
The diverse medical and neurologic complications of central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms or their treatment cause significant morbidity and mortality. Thus, their recognition and appropriate management by all members of…
Role of Neurosurgery and Radiation Therapy in the Management of Brain Tumors
In the United States, approximately 65,000 people are diagnosed with primary brain tumors each year, with an incidence of 19.3 cases per 100,000 person-years. These numbers represent a wide spectrum…
