Brain stem tumor
A brain stem tumor is a tumor in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord (the brain stem).
Symptoms and signs
[edit | edit source]The symptoms of brain stem tumors vary greatly and can include ataxia, cranial nerve palsy, headaches, problems with speech and swallowing, hearing loss, weakness, hemiparesis, vision abnormalities, ptosis, and behavioral changes. Another possible symptom is vomiting. Headaches related to brainstem tumors may be worse shortly after waking up in the morning.[1]
Diagnosis
[edit | edit source]An MRI is better than a CT scan when a brainstem tumor is in the differential diagnosis.[citation needed]
Types of brain stem tumors
[edit | edit source]The most common form of brainstem tumor is the brainstem glioma.
Treatment
[edit | edit source]Treatment typically consists of radiotherapy and steroids for palliation of symptoms.[citation needed] Radiotherapy may result in minimally extended survival time.[citation needed]
Prognosis
[edit | edit source]Prognosis is very poor, with only 37% of treated patients surviving one year or more.[citation needed] Topotecan has been studied in the treatment of brainstem glioma,[citation needed] otherwise, chemotherapy is probably ineffective, though further study is needed.[2]
References
[edit | edit source]External links
[edit | edit source]- Brain stem tumor entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
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