Search Results

He was taken to A&E with suspicion of stroke and was later diagnosed with glioblastoma. Mr. Simons, a former UPS delivery driver, had no symptoms until a few days ago; He experienced numbness in his right hand, followed by stiffness in his right leg and a severe headache. Mrs Saunders said, "Having to tell my mother that Paul had the same type of brain tumor is something I will never forget." he said. Mr Simons died seven weeks after his diagnosis in November 2018, while his mother died 11 weeks later at the age of 77. Ms Saunders said: "Words cannot describe what we are going through or how much my brother and mother are missed and loved." Dr Millar's work will improve understanding of how glioblastoma cells evade the immune system and continue to grow. The new project also aims to sensitize glioblastoma cells to immunotherapy to greatly increase the chances of survival. The second grant is to Dr. Dr., a postdoctoral researcher at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. It will be given to Spencer Watson. Glial scars, the term used for the damage left after treatment for glioblastoma. It aims to find out whether it creates a protective environment for tumor cells left behind after treatment. Emma Thompson, head of research at the Brain Tumor Charity, said: "Our aim is that this research will help us accelerate the treatment of brain tumours. "We know that glioblastomas are incredibly difficult to treat due to their complex structure. "Therefore, funding this innovative research, which aims to understand how the immune system responds to tumor cells and cells that promote tumor recurrence, is important if we are to find new therapies that will enable us to find better ways to treat this disease."

Previous studies have suggested a possible link between head injury and increased brain tumor rates, but the evidence is inconclusive. The UCL team identified a possible mechanism to explain this link, implying genetic mutations that act in concert with brain tissue inflammation to change the behavior of cells, making them more likely to become cancerous. While this study was largely performed in mice, it suggests that it will be important to explore the relevance of these findings to human gliomas. The study was led by Samantha Dickson Head of the Brain Cancer Unit and Professor Simona Parrinello (UCL Cancer Institute). "Our research shows that a brain injury can contribute to an increased risk of developing brain cancer later in life," she said. Gliomas are brain tumors that usually arise from neural stem cells. More mature brain cells, such as astrocytes, are thought to be less likely to give rise to tumors. However, recent findings have shown that astrocytes can again exhibit stem cell behavior after injury. Professor Parrinello and his team therefore set out using a preclinical mouse model to investigate whether this trait could make astrocytes a tumor following brain trauma. Young adult mice with brain damage were injected with a substance that permanently labels astrocytes red and disables the function of a gene called p53, which is known to have a vital role in suppressing many different cancers. A control group was treated in the same way, but the p53 gene was left untouched. A second group of mice underwent p53 inactivation without injury. Professor Parrinello said: "Normally astrocytes are very branched -- they get their name from stars -- but what we found was that without p53 and only after an injury, astrocytes retracted their branches and became more rounded, cell-like, but something had changed. So we aged the mice, Then we looked at the cells again and found that they had completely reverted to a root-like state with markers of early glioma cells that were able to divide." This suggested to Professor Parrinello and his team that mutations in certain genes synergize with time-increasing brain inflammation in the natural aging process caused by acute injury, which then increases the likelihood that astrocytes will initiate a cancer. Indeed, the transition to stem cell-like behavior was accelerated when the mice were injected with a solution known to cause inflammation. The team then looked for evidence to support their hypothesis in human populations. Working with Dr Alvina Lai at UCL's Institute of Health Informatics, they consulted the electronic medical records of more than 20,000 people diagnosed with head trauma, and compared brain cancer rates to a control group matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. They found that patients who had a head injury were about four times more likely to develop brain cancer later in life than those without a head injury. It is important to keep in mind that the overall risk of developing brain cancer is low, estimated at less than 1% in lifetime, so the risk remains modest even after an injury. Professor Parrinello said: "We know that normal tissues carry many mutations that seem to just sit still and have no significant effect. Our findings show that if an injury occurs alongside these mutations, it creates a synergistic effect. "Mutations seem to be kept in check even after brain injury. However, as we age, our mouse study shows that inflammation increases throughout the brain, but more intensely at the site of previous injury. It reaches a certain threshold, after which the mutation starts to manifest."

After the eight-year-old girl's constant epileptic seizure, something like that came out... 100 tapeworm eggs were detected in the brain of the unnamed child. According to the news in the British newspaper Daily Mail; An eight-year-old girl who had constant epileptic seizures and headaches was given steroid treatment, considering that she might have a cyst in her brain. After six months, the little girl began to be short of breath and unable to walk. After the scans, they determined that the little girl had 100 tapeworm eggs in her brain. After the maggots were removed from her brain, the little girl recovered and started walking. Doctors think that these maggots in the unfortunate boy's brain came from unwashed fruit or uncooked pork. The little girl's father said, "We had no idea that our daughter was suffering from a terrible disease. First she was started on medication to relieve the swelling on her head, and then therapy to kill the tapeworms. So she started to lose the weight she gained from steroids and returned to school. "We didn't have the slightest idea that she might suffer from a terrible disease. But I think it shows that we were lucky that the maggots were found before they hatched and we got the right treatment before it caused further damage to our daughter's brain."

Chordoma is a rare type of bone cancer that most often occurs in the bones of the spine or skull. It mostly occurs where the skull sits above the spine (skull base) or below the spine (sacrum). Chordoma begins in cells that form a collection of cells in the developing embryo that once became the discs of the spine. Most of these cells disappear when you are born or shortly after. Sometimes, however, a few of these cells remain and they rarely become cancerous. Although chordoma can occur at any age, it is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Chordoma usually grows slowly. It can be difficult to treat because it is often very close to the spinal cord and other important structures such as arteries, nerves or the brain. Diagnosis Tests and procedures used to diagnose chordoma include: Removal of a cell sample for laboratory testing (biopsy). A biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of suspect cells for laboratory testing. In the lab, specially trained doctors called pathologists examine the cells under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present. Determining how the biopsy should be performed requires careful planning by the medical team. Doctors need to do the biopsy in a way that doesn't preclude future surgery to remove the cancer. Therefore, ask your doctor to refer you to a team of experts with extensive experience in treating chordoma. Obtaining a more detailed view. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to help visualize your chordoma and determine if it has spread beyond the spine or base of the skull. Tests may include an MRI or CT scan. After diagnosing a chordoma, your doctor will consult with specialists in ear, nose and throat medicine (otolaryngology), cancer (oncology), and radiation therapy (radiation oncology) or surgery to develop a treatment plan that suits your needs. Your care team may also include endocrinology, ophthalmology and rehabilitation specialists as needed. Treatment Chordoma treatment depends on the size and location of the cancer, as well as whether it has invaded nerves or other tissues. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, radiosurgery, and targeted therapies. Chordoma treatment in the sacral spine If the chordoma affects the lower part of the spine (sacrum), treatment options may include: Operation. The goal of sacral spine cancer surgery is to remove all of the cancer and some of the healthy tissue that surrounds it. Surgery can be difficult because the cancer is close to critical structures such as nerves and blood vessels. When cancer cannot be completely removed, surgeons may try to remove as much as possible. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays such as X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you directing radiation beams to specific points on your body. Radiation therapy can be used before surgery to shrink a cancer and make it easier to remove. It can also be used to kill remaining cancer cells after surgery. If surgery is not an option, radiation therapy may be recommended instead. Treatment with newer types of radiation therapy, such as proton therapy, allows doctors to use higher doses of radiation while sparing healthy tissue, which may be more effective in treating chordoma. Radiosurgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery uses multiple beams of radiation to kill cancer cells in a very small area. Not every beam of radiation is very strong, but the point where all the beams meet - in the chordoma - receives high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery for radiosurgery chordoma. If surgery is not an option, radiosurgery may be recommended instead. Targeted therapy. Targeted therapy uses drugs that focus on specific abnormalities found in cancer cells. By attacking these abnormalities, targeted drug treatments can cause cancer cells to die. Targeted therapy is sometimes used to treat chordoma that has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment of chordoma at the base of the skull Endoscopic skull base surgeryOpen popup dialog If the chordoma affects the area where the spine meets the skull (base of the skull), treatment options may include: Operation. Treatment usually begins with an operation to remove as much of the cancer as possible without damaging nearby healthy tissue or causing new problems such as brain or spinal cord injury. If the cancer is near important structures such as the carotid artery, complete removal may not be possible. In some cases, surgeons may use special techniques, such as endoscopic surgery, to access the cancer. Endoscopic skull base surgery, long nose inserted to access cancer. It is a minimally invasive technique that involves using a thin tube (endoscope). Special instruments can be passed through the tube to remove the cancer. Rarely, surgeons may recommend an additional operation to remove as much of the cancer as possible or to stabilize the area where the cancer once was. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays such as X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often recommended after surgery for the skull base chordoma to kill any cancer cells that may remain. If surgery is not an option, radiation therapy may be recommended instead. Radiation therapy techniques that target treatment more precisely allow doctors to use higher doses of radiation that can be more effective for chordoma. These include proton therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery.

Craniopharyngioma begins near the brain's pituitary gland, which secretes hormones that control many body functions. As the craniopharyngioma grows slowly, it can affect the function of the pituitary gland and other nearby structures in the brain. Craniopharyngioma can occur at any age, but is most common in children and older adults. Symptoms include gradual changes in vision, fatigue, excessive urination, and headaches. Children with craniopharyngioma may grow slowly and be smaller than expected. Diagnosis Tests and procedures used to diagnose craniopharyngioma include: Physical examination. Diagnosing a craniopharyngioma usually begins with a medical history review and a neurological exam by your doctor. During this procedure, vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, growth and development are tested. blood tests. Blood tests can reveal changes in hormone levels that indicate a tumor is affecting your pituitary gland. Imaging tests. Tests to create images of your brain may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). Treatment Craniopharyngioma treatment options include: Operation. Surgery to remove all or most of the tumor is usually recommended for people with Craniopharyngioma. What type of operation will be performed depends on the location and size of your tumor. Open Craniopharyngioma surgery (craniotomy) involves opening the skull to access the tumor. During minimally invasive Craniopharyngioma surgery (transsphenoidal procedure), special surgical instruments are inserted through your nose. The instruments pass through a natural corridor to the tumor without affecting the brain. Whenever possible, surgeons remove the entire tumor. However, because there are often many sensitive and important structures nearby, doctors sometimes do not remove the entire tumor to ensure a good quality of life after surgery. In these cases, other treatments may be used after surgery. Radiation therapy. External beam radiation therapy may be used after surgery to treat craniopharyngioma. This treatment uses powerful energy beams such as X-rays and protons to kill tumor cells. During external beam radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine targets the energy precisely at the tumor cells. Special external beam radiation technology, such as proton beam therapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), allows doctors to carefully shape and target the radiation beam, thus providing treatment to tumor cells and sparing nearby healthy tissue. In rare cases where the tumor has not touched the bundle of nerve fibers that transmit visual information from your eye to your brain (optic nerve), a type of radiation therapy called stereotactic radiosurgery may be recommended. Technically a type of radiation and not an operation, stereotactic radiosurgery focuses multiple beams of radiation at precise points to kill tumor cells. Another type of radiation therapy called brachytherapy involves placing radioactive material directly inside the tumor where it can spread the tumor from within. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment in which chemicals are used to kill tumor cells. Chemotherapy can be injected directly into the tumor so that the treatment reaches the target cells and does not damage nearby healthy tissue. Treatment of papillary craniopharyngioma. An uncommon type of craniopharyngioma called papillary craniopharyngioma may respond to targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is a drug therapy that focuses on specific abnormalities that enable tumor cells to survive. Almost all papillary craniopharyngioma cells contain a mutation in a gene called the BRAF gene. Targeted therapy for this mutation may be a treatment option. Special laboratory tests can reveal whether your craniopharyngioma contains papillary cells and whether these cells have a BRAF gene mutation.

Schwannoma is a type of nerve tumor of the nerve sheath. It is the most common type of benign peripheral nerve tumor in adults. It can occur in any part of your body, at any age. A schwannoma typically consists of a single bundle (fascicle) within the main nerve and displaces the rest of the nerve. When a schwannoma grows, more fascicles are affected, making it more difficult to remove. In general, schwannoma grows slowly. If a schwannoma develops on an arm or leg, you may notice a painless lump. Schwannomas are rarely malignant. However, they can lead to nerve damage and paralysis. If you have unusual swelling or numbness, you should consult your doctor. Acoustic neuroma, also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a non-malignant and usually slow-growing tumor that develops on the main (vestibular) nerve that runs from your inner ear to your brain. The branches of this nerve directly affect your balance and hearing, and the pressure from an acoustic neuroma can cause hearing loss, ringing in your ears, and imbalance. An acoustic neuroma usually arises from the Schwann cells lining this nerve and grows slowly or does not grow at all. Rarely, it can grow rapidly and become large enough to put pressure on the brain and interfere with vital functions. Diagnosis To diagnose a schwannoma, your doctor may ask you about signs and symptoms, question your medical history, and perform a general physical and neurological exam. If symptoms suggest you may have a schwannoma or other nerve tumor, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following diagnostic tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This scan uses a magnet and radio waves to produce a detailed, 3D view of your nerves and surrounding tissues. Computed tomography (CT). A CT scanner rotates around your body to record a series of images. A computer uses the images to get a detailed view of your growth so your doctor can evaluate how it might affect you. Electromyogram (EMG). For this test, your doctor inserts small needles into your muscles so an electromyography instrument can record the electrical activity in your muscle as you try to move it. Nerve conduction study. You are likely to have this test with your EMG. It measures how quickly your nerves transmit electrical signals to your muscles. Tumor biopsy. If imaging tests detect a nerve tumor, your doctor may take a small sample of cells (biopsy) from your tumor and analyze it. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, you may need local or general anesthesia during the biopsy. Nerve biopsy. If you have a condition such as progressive peripheral neuropathy or enlarged nerves that mimic nerve tumors, your doctor may perform a nerve biopsy. Treatment Schwannoma treatment depends on where the abnormal growth is and whether it is causing pain or growing rapidly. Treatment options include: Monitoring. Your doctor may suggest that you monitor your condition over time. Observation may include regular checkups and a CT or MRI scan every few months to see if your tumor is growing. Operation. An experienced peripheral neurosurgeon can remove the tumor if it is causing pain or is growing rapidly. Schwannoma surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the location of the tumor, some patients may go home on the day of surgery. Others may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two. A tumor can recur even after successful removal of the tumor during surgery. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is used to help control tumor growth and improve your symptoms. It can be used with surgery. Stereotactic radiosurgery. If the tumor is close to vital nerves or blood vessels, a technique called stereotactic body radiation therapy may be used to limit damage to healthy tissue. With this technique, doctors deliver radiation exactly to a tumor without making an incision.

Ependymoma is a type of tumor that can form in the brain or spinal cord. Ependymoma begins in the ependymal cells of the brain and spinal cord, which are located in the passageways through which the fluid that nourishes your brain (cerebrospinal fluid) flows. Ependymoma can occur at any age, but is most common in young children. Children with ependymoma may have headaches and seizures. Ependymoma in adults is more likely to occur in the spinal cord and can cause weakness in the part of the body controlled by the nerves affected by the tumor. The primary treatment for ependymoma is surgery. Additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended for more aggressive tumors or tumors that cannot be removed completely with surgery. Diagnosis Tests and procedures used to diagnose ependymoma include: Neurological examination. During the neurological exam, your doctor will ask you about your child's signs and symptoms. It can check your child's vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes. Problems in one or more of these areas can provide clues about the part of your child's brain that may be affected by a brain tumor. Imaging tests. Imaging tests can help doctors determine the location and size of a brain tumor. MRI is often used to diagnose brain tumors and may be used in conjunction with specialized MRI imaging such as magnetic resonance angiography. Because ependymoma can occur in both the brain and spine, imaging tests should be used to create pictures of both regions when the diagnosis of ependymoma is suspected. Removal of cerebrospinal fluid for testing (lumbar puncture). Also called a spinal tap, this procedure involves inserting a needle between two bones in the lower spine to draw fluid around the spinal cord. The fluid is tested to look for tumor cells or other abnormalities. Based on your child's test results, the doctor may suspect ependymoma and recommend surgery to remove the tumor. After removal, the tumor cells will be tested in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. Special tests are used to identify cell types and aggression levels that the doctor can use to guide treatment decisions. Treatment Ependymoma treatment options include: Surgery to remove the ependymoma. Neurosurgeons (neurosurgeons) work to remove as much of the ependymoma as possible. The goal is to remove the entire tumor, but sometimes the ependymoma is located near sensitive brain or spinal cord tissue, making this very risky. If the entire tumor is removed during surgery, your child may not need any additional treatment. If some tumor remains, the neurosurgeon may recommend another surgery to try to remove the rest of the tumor. Additional treatments, such as radiation therapy, may be recommended for more aggressive tumors or if the entire tumor cannot be removed. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays such as X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. During radiation therapy, your child lies on a table while a machine moves around him and directs the rays to specific points in the brain. Radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery to help prevent more aggressive tumors from recurring, or if neurosurgeons cannot completely remove the tumor. Special techniques can help ensure that the treatment delivers radiation to the tumor cells and preserves as much surrounding healthy tissue as possible. Conformal radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and proton therapy are types of radiation therapy that allow doctors to deliver radiation carefully and precisely. Radiosurgery. Technically a type of radiation and not an operation, stereotactic radiosurgery focuses multiple beams of radiation at precise points to kill tumor cells. Radiosurgery is sometimes used when an ependymoma recurs after surgery and radiation. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is not very effective for most cases of ependymoma. The role of chemotherapy is still largely experimental and reserved for certain conditions, such as tumor regrowth despite surgery and radiation.

Astrocytoma is a type of cancer that can form in the brain or spinal cord. Astrocytoma begins in cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells. Astrocytoma signs and symptoms depend on the location of your tumor. Astrocytomas that form in the brain can cause seizures, headaches, and nausea. Astrocytomas that form in the spinal cord can cause weakness and disability in the area affected by the growing tumor. The astrocytoma can be a slow growing tumor or it can be a fast growing aggressive cancer. The aggressiveness (grade) of your astrocytoma determines your prognosis and treatment options. Diagnosis Tests and procedures used to diagnose astrocytoma include: Neurological examination. During the neurological examination, your doctor will ask you about your signs and symptoms. It can check your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes. Problems in one or more of these areas can provide clues about the part of your brain that may be affected by a brain tumor. Imaging tests. Imaging tests can help your doctor determine the location and size of your brain tumor. MRI is often used to diagnose brain tumors and can be used in conjunction with specialized MRI imaging such as functional MRI, perfusion MRI, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Other imaging tests may include CT and positron emission tomography (PET). Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy). Depending on your particular situation and the location of your tumor, a biopsy may be done with a needle to remove your astrocytoma before or during surgery. Suspicious tissue sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine cell types and aggression levels. Special tests of tumor cells can tell your doctor the types of mutations the cells have acquired. This gives your doctor clues about your prognosis and can guide your treatment options. Treatment Astrocytoma treatments include: Surgery to remove the astrocytoma. Your neurosurgeon will work to remove as much of the astrocytoma as possible. The goal is to remove all cancer, but sometimes the astrocytoma is found near sensitive brain tissue, making this very risky. Even removing some of the cancer can reduce your signs and symptoms. For some people, surgery may be the only treatment needed. For others, additional treatments may be recommended to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays such as X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you directing the rays to precise spots in your brain. Radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery if your cancer has not been completely removed or if there is an increased risk of your cancer returning. Radiation is often combined with chemotherapy for aggressive cancers. For people who cannot have surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used as primary treatment. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in pill form or through a vein in your arm. In some cases, a circular layer of chemotherapy drug may be placed in your brain after surgery, where it slowly dissolves and releases the drug. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It can be combined with radiation therapy for aggressive cancers. Supportive (palliative) care. Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relieving the pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. Palliative care professionals work with you, your family, and other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care. It can be used during other aggressive treatments such as palliative care, surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Medulloblastoma is a cancerous (malignant) brain tumor that begins in the lower back of the brain called the cerebellum. The cerebellum is concerned with muscle coordination, balance, and movement. Medulloblastoma tends to spread to other areas around the brain and spinal cord through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord. This tumor rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Medulloblastoma is a type of embryonal tumor - a tumor that starts in fetal (embryonic) cells in the brain. Based on the different types of gene mutations, there are at least four subtypes of medulloblastoma. Although medulloblastoma is not inherited, syndromes such as Gorlin syndrome or Turcot syndrome can increase the risk of medulloblastoma. Signs and symptoms of medulloblastoma may include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, double vision, poor coordination, unsteady gait, and other concerns. These symptoms may be related to the tumor itself or may be caused by pressure buildup in the brain. Medulloblastoma can occur at any age, but is most common in young children. Although medulloblastoma is rare, it is the most common cancerous brain tumor in children. Diagnosis The diagnostic process usually begins with a medical history review and discussion of signs and symptoms. Tests and procedures used to diagnose medulloblastoma include: Neurological examination. During this procedure, vision, hearing, balance, coordination and reflexes are tested. This helps determine which part of the brain may be affected by the tumor. Imaging tests. Imaging tests can help determine the location and size of the brain tumor. These tests are also very important for determining the pressure or obstruction in the CSF pathways. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done right away. These tests are often used to diagnose brain tumors. Advanced techniques such as perfusion MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy may also be used. Tissue sample testing (biopsy). A biopsy is not usually done but may be recommended if imaging tests are not typical for medulloblastoma. Suspicious tissue sample is analyzed in a lab to determine cell types. Removal of cerebrospinal fluid for testing (lumbar puncture). Also called a spinal tap, this procedure involves inserting a needle between two bones in the lower spine to draw cerebrospinal fluid from around the spinal cord. The fluid is tested to look for tumor cells or other abnormalities. This test is only done after managing pressure in the brain or removing the tumor. Treatment Medulloblastoma treatment usually includes surgery followed by radiation or chemotherapy, or both. Age and general health, tumor subtype and location, tumor grade and extent, and other factors play a role in treatment decisions. Options include: Surgery to reduce fluid buildup in the brain. A medulloblastoma can grow to block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, causing a buildup of fluid (hydrocephalus) that puts pressure on the brain. Surgery (external ventricular drainage or ventriculoperitoneal shunt) may be recommended to create a pathway for fluid to drain out of the brain. Sometimes this procedure can be combined with surgery to remove the tumor. Surgery to remove the medulloblastoma. A pediatric or adult neurosurgeon (neurosurgeon) removes the tumor, taking care not to damage nearby tissue. Sometimes, however, it is not possible to completely remove the tumor because medulloblastoma forms deep in the brain near critical structures. All patients with medulloblastoma should receive additional treatments after surgery to target the remaining cells. Radiation therapy. A pediatric or adult radiation oncologist administers radiation therapy to the brain and spinal cord, using high-energy rays such as X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. Standard radiation therapy can be used, but proton beam therapy, available in a limited number of major health centers in the United States, delivers higher targeted doses of radiation to brain tumors, minimizing radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissue. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill tumor cells. Typically, children and adults with medulloblastoma receive these drugs as an injection into a vein (intravenous chemotherapy). Chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery or radiation therapy, or in some cases at the same time as radiation therapy. In some cases, high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell recovery (stem cell transplant using the patient's own stem cells) may be used.

Oligodendroglioma is a tumor that can form in the brain or spinal cord. Oligodendroglioma consists of oligodendrocytes in the brain and spinal cord that produce a substance that protects nerve cells. Oligodendroglioma can occur at any age, but most often affects adults. Signs and symptoms may include seizures and headaches. Weakness or disability may occur in the part of the body that is controlled by the nerve cells affected by the tumor. Oligodendroglioma treatment usually includes surgery to remove the tumor. Additional treatments may be necessary if the tumor is aggressive or more likely to recur. Diagnosis Tests and procedures used to diagnose oligodendroglioma include: Neurological examination. During the neurological examination, your doctor will ask you about your signs and symptoms. It can check your vision, hearing, balance, coordination, strength and reflexes. Problems in one or more of these areas can provide clues about the part of your brain that may be affected by a brain tumor. Imaging tests. Imaging tests can help your doctor determine the location and size of your brain tumor. MRI is often used to diagnose brain tumors and can be used in conjunction with functional MRI and specialized MRI imaging such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Other imaging tests may include CT and positron emission tomography (PET). Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy). Depending on your particular situation and the location of your tumor, a needle biopsy may be done before or during surgery to remove your oligodendroglioma. Suspicious tissue sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine cell types and aggression levels. Special tests of tumor cells can tell your doctor the types of mutations the cells have acquired. This gives your doctor clues about your prognosis and can guide your treatment options. Treatment Oligodendroglioma treatment options include: Surgery to remove the tumor. Your neurosurgeon (neurosurgeon) will work to remove as much of the oligodendroglioma as possible without affecting healthy brain tissue. Special surgical techniques, such as awake brain surgery, can help ensure that sensitive brain tissue is not damaged during surgery. Additional treatments may be recommended if any tumor cells remain after surgery or if your tumor has an increased risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in pill form or through a vein in your arm. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It can be combined with radiation therapy for aggressive cancers. For people who cannot have surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used as primary treatment. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays such as X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells. During radiation therapy, you lie on a table while a machine moves around you directing the rays to precise spots in your brain. Radiation therapy is sometimes recommended after surgery and can be combined with chemotherapy. Supportive (palliative) care. Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relieving the pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. Palliative care professionals work with you, your family, and other doctors to provide an extra layer of support that complements your ongoing care. It can be used during other aggressive treatments such as palliative care, surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Hemangioblastomas are benign tumors that arise from the lining of blood vessels. Hemangioblastomas can occur in the brain, spinal cord, and retina (back of the eye). Spinal hemangioblastomas are usually found on the surface of the spinal cord. They constitute 5-10% of intramedullary tumors or tumors arising in the spinal cord. Hemangioblastomas are a type of hemangioma or blood vessel tumors. Symptoms Small hemangioblastomas that do not cause any symptoms due to their slow-growing and benign nature may not need treatment. These are usually found incidentally (in transit) and can simply be followed up with annual imaging scans. Larger hemangioblastomas can cause a variety of symptoms as they compress the spinal cord. Symptoms may include: numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, clumsiness in the hands, weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking and/or impaired bowel and bladder function. The exact symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor. Diagnosis Hemangioblastomas are diagnosed with MRI (magnetic resonance) scans and/or CT (computed tomography, also known as CAT scans). MRI scans use magnets, radio waves, and computer technology to produce images of organs and tissues such as the brain and spinal cord. CT scans use a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of bones and soft tissues. Both scans can be done after injection of a contrast enhancing agent that enhances the visualization of the lesion on scans. Spinal angiography or examination of blood flow around the tumor may also be done as part of surgical planning. This study is particularly useful for hemangiomas; As tumors of blood vessels, they have strong blood supplies. Risk factors Hemangioblastomas arise from primitive blood vessel cells. They occur most often in the early and middle years of life and affect men and women equally. In most cases, patients have a single hemangioblastoma. These are called sporadic cases. However, patients with the inherited genetic condition von Hippel-Lindau Disease are predisposed to develop multiple hemangioblastomas as well as cysts throughout the body, including the kidneys and other organs. Treatments The preferred treatment for symptomatic spinal cord hemangioblastomas is removal using a microsurgical or surgical microscope and very fine surgical instruments. Most tumors can be completely removed using standard microsurgical techniques and neurological function can usually be preserved. Radiation therapy may be beneficial if the entire tumor cannot be safely removed in surgery.

In a recent scientific study conducted in the USA, it was desired to examine the sexual activities of patients who had spinal surgery for spinal diseases. In this study, which was conducted on 1235 patients, the effect of pain on sexual life was asked to the patients. The patients were followed for 4 years. With the spinal surgery group; The analgesic anti-inflammatory field and the non-surgical group were compared. As a result, it was seen that less pain and an increase in the quality of sexual life were observed in the surgical group, especially in the degenerative spine disease group.