Brain stem tumor
Encyclopedia
A brain stem tumor is a tumor
in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord
(the brain stem
).
, vision abnormalities, ptosis, and behavior changes. Another possible symptom is vomiting. Headaches related to brainstem tumors may be worse shortly after waking up in the morning.
has been studied in the treatment of brainstem glioma, otherwise, chemotherapy is probably ineffective, though further study is needed.
Tumor
A tumor or tumour is commonly used as a synonym for a neoplasm that appears enlarged in size. Tumor is not synonymous with cancer...
in the part of the brain that connects to the spinal cord
Spinal cord
The spinal cord is a long, thin, tubular bundle of nervous tissue and support cells that extends from the brain . The brain and spinal cord together make up the central nervous system...
(the brain stem
Brain stem
In vertebrate anatomy the brainstem is the posterior part of the brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the spinal cord. The brain stem provides the main motor and sensory innervation to the face and neck via the cranial nerves...
).
Symptoms
The symptoms of brain stem tumors vary greatly,and can include ataxia, cranial nerve palsy, headaches, problems with speech and swallowing, hearing loss,weakness, hemiparesisHemiparesis
Hemiparesis is weakness on one side of the body. It is less severe than hemiplegia - the total paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on one side of the body. Thus, the patient can move the impaired side of his body, but with reduced muscular strength....
, vision abnormalities, ptosis, and behavior changes. Another possible symptom is vomiting. Headaches related to brainstem tumors may be worse shortly after waking up in the morning.
Diagnosis
An MRI is better than a CT scan when a brainstem tumor is in the differential diagnosis.Treatment and prognosis
Treatment typically consists of radiotherapy and steroids for palliation of symptoms. Radiotherapy may result in minimally extended survival time. Prognosis is very poor, with only 37% of treated patients surviving one year or more. TopotecanTopotecan
Topotecan hydrochloride is a chemotherapy agent that is a topoisomerase I inhibitor. It is the water-soluble derivative of camptothecin...
has been studied in the treatment of brainstem glioma, otherwise, chemotherapy is probably ineffective, though further study is needed.
External links
- Brain stem tumor entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms