Brain Tumors: Primary - Common Brain Tumors

Common Brain Tumors: Mixed Gliomas

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF MIXED GLIOMAS: Mixed Gliomas contain a mixture of malignant gliomas. About half of these tumors contain cancerous oligodendrocytes and astrocytes.

Grade

Usual Treatment

Grade determined by the highest-grade cell present in the tumor.

Same as for oligodendroglioma.

Some Common Brain Tumors by Location

Brain Tumors

Description

Usual Treatment

Meningiomas

They are found in the membranes around the brain and spinal column. They are usually benign and rarely invasive. In such cases, long-term outlook is very favorable. (Malignant forms, anaplastic meningiomas, and hemangiopericytomas are uncommon and occur in about 2% of cases.)

Usually watchful waiting. Aggressive surgery the treatment of choice, if possible, although 20% recur after 10 years. Malignant forms and those at the base of the skull difficult to impossible to remove surgically. Stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated external beam radiotherapy showing promising results for some patients.

Cerebellar astrocytomas (located in cerebellum)

Located in the cerebellum. Usually low-grade, but depends on cell type. If surgical removal is complete, up to 90% survival rates. More common in children than adults.

Surgery primary treatment. Radiotherapy if removal is incomplete.

Brain Stem Gliomas

About 60 - 70% of brain stem tumors are diffuse, which are likely to spread and have a rapid onset of symptoms. Focal tumors tend to be solid or cyst-like. They generally develop gradually. Occurs in both children and young adults.

Radiation is usual treatment. Tumors in this area are rarely removed surgically since the nerve tissue in this area is responsible for vital life functions. Slow-growing tumors may only require watchful waiting. Trials using advanced radiotherapy techniques, gene therapy, immunotherapy, and other experimental drugs.

Medulloblastomas

Occurs in cerebellum (the lower portion of the brain), brainstem, and spinal cord. Usually fast-growing aggressive cells. Most common brain tumors in children and young people, causing between 15 - 20% of brain tumors. With aggressive therapy, in children 5-year survival rates between 60 - 80%. In patients who survive for 2 years after diagnosis, long-term survival rate is nearly 80%.

Treatment is usually surgery and radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy. A 2005 study found that a combination chemotherapy regimen may replace radiation for very young children. A 2006 study suggested that radiation and chemotherapy doses should be adjusted based on disease severity.

Optic Tract Gliomas

Spread along the optic nerve. Usually slow growing. Most often in children under age 10. Children with these tumors often have vision and hormonal problems.

Usually surgery if one eye is involved. Possible chemotherapy or radiation.