Brain Tumor

Dr. Walaa NasrLecturer of Medical-Surgical Nursing Department Second year2012

Brain tumor OutlinesIntroduction Definition Classification of brain tumors Risk factors for brain tumorsSigns and symptoms of brain tumorDiagnosis of brain tumorTreatment of brain tumorNursing management

Brain tumorIntroduction

Definition of brain tumorA brain tumor is a localized intracranial lesion which occupies space with the skull and tends to cause a rise in intracranial pressure.

Classification of brain tumors Brain tumors can be benign or malignantBenign brain tumors:Benign brain tumors do not contain cancer cells: usually, benign tumors can be removed, and they seldom grow back.

The border or edge of a benign brain tumor can be clearly seen. Cells from benign tumors do not invade tissues around them or spread to other parts of the body.

Classification of brain tumors(cont)However, benign tumors can press on sensitive areas of the brain and cause serious health problems.

Unlike benign tumors in most other parts of the body, benign brain tumors are sometimes life threatening.

Very rarely, a benign brain tumor may become malignant.

Classification of brain tumors(cont)Malignant brain tumors:Malignant brain tumors are generally more serious and often is life threatening. It may be primary (the tumor originate from the brain tissue) or secondary (metastasis from others tumor elsewhere in the body).

They are likely to grow rapidly and invade the surrounding healthy brain tissue.

Classification of brain tumors(cont)Very rarely, cancer cells may break away from a malignant brain tumor and spread to other parts of the brain, to the spinal cord, or even to other parts of the body.

Risk factors of the brain tumorBeing maleRaceAgeFamily historyBeing exposed to radiation or certain chemicals at work

Symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure such as:Decrease in level of consciousness such as confusion and lethargy.

Headache most common in the early morning and made worse by coughing or strainingSigns and symptoms of brain tumor

Vomiting

Papilledema ( edema of optic nerve) and visual disturbance

Alteration in mental status.Signs and symptoms of brain tumor (cont)

Signs and symptoms of brain tumor (cont)

Localized symptoms such as:AphasiaPersonality changes as in case of frontal lobe tumorSensory defects ( smell, hearing).Seizures.Motor abnormalities

Diagnosis of brain tumorPhysical examNeurological examinationBrain CT scanMRI on brainAngiogram Spinal tap Biopsy

Treatment of brain tumorA variety of medical treatment modalities, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are used alone or in combination with surgical resection.Supportive care include:SteroidsAnticonvulsant drugs

Nursing management AssessmentNursing intervention Post operative Nursing care considerations

*