Neurological & Spinal Oncology

Astrocytoma tumors are a form of brain or spinal tumor with star-shaped cells. These tumors are often slow growing or can remain unchanged for long periods of time. Once this condition is identified it is important to monitor the Astrocytoma growth closely.

Symptoms are often a result of increased pressure within the skull or spinal canal. In young children, the growing pressure of an Astrocytoma tumor inside the skull may cause enlargement of the skull.

Those with Astrocytoma tumors may experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Decreased energy
• Mood swings
• Impaired mental focus

A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells within the brain. Many different types of brain tumors exist. Some brain tumors are noncancerous (benign), and some brain tumors are cancerous (malignant). Primary brain tumors originate in the brain or the surrounding tissue, such as in the membranes that cover the brain (meninges), cranial nerves and pituitary gland. These tumors originate when normal brain cells undergo mutations in their DNA that allow cells to grow and divide at increased rates and to continue living when healthy cells would die. This results in a mass of mutated cells known as a tumor.

Secondary, or metastatic brain tumors, spread to the brain from an anatomically distinct tumor located elsewhere in the body .

Those with Primary or Metastatic Brain Tumors may experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Sudden onset of headaches
• Seizures
• Headaches that gradually become more frequent and more severe
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Loss of sensation or mobility in the arms or legs
• Difficulty with balance
• Speech difficulties
• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Hearing impairment

Chordoma is a malignant primary cancer that manifests as a tumor most typically arising in the sacrum (base of the lower spine) or in the base of the skull. These life threatening tumors can occur at any age but are most often seen in adults.

Chordomas are the result of small remnants of the notochord, a coil of cells in the embryo that develops into the spinal cord. In some cases, a leftover cell (notochord remnant) can develop into a Chordoma. Symptoms depend on the site of the tumor. Symptoms can vary depending upon the size of the tumor.

In many instances, surgery is needed to excise the tumor. Long term follow up is needed to prevent metastasis of these tumors.

Those with Chordoma of the skull may experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Neck pain
• Headache
• Blurred or double vision
• Facial numbness
• Facial twitching
• Difficulty swallowing
• Impaired speech

Those with Chordoma of the sacral spine may experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Lower back pain
• Pain in the legs (Sciatica)
• Weakness in the legs
• Bowel or bladder incontinence

Craniopharyngioma is a type of brain tumor derived from embryonic tissue within the pituitary gland. This tumor is usually slow growing but behaves aggressively as it affects surrounding structures. These benign tumors occur most often in children but are also common in adults in their 50’s and 60’s

Those with Craniopharyngioma may experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea / vomitting
• Dizziness
• Difficulty balancing
• Increased fatigue
• Mood swings
• Visual impairment
• Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Excessive weight gain

Cushing Disease (hypercortisolism) is a result of the overproduction of a hormone known as Cortisol . One of the most common causes of Cushing Disease is the use of oral corticosteroid medication. Another common cause of Cushing’s Disease is an adenoma (tumor) of the pituitary gland. This tumor forces the pituitary gland to produce increased levels of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). In response, the adrenal glands produces increased levels of Cortisol, causing a variety of physical and psychological symptoms.

Those with Cushing’s Disease can experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Weight gain
• Lumps of fatty tissue deposits around the midsection, upper back, face and between the shoulders
• Stretch marks on the abdomen, arms, thighs or breasts
• Skin that bruises easily and appears to be thinning
• Delayed healing of cuts, abrasions and insect bites
• Acne
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Mood Swings
• Weakness
• Depression or anxiety
• Cognitive deficiencies

Women with Cushing syndrome can also experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Thicker or more visible hair on the face and body
• Missed or irregular menstrual cycles

Men with Cushing syndrome can experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Decreased libido
• Sexual dysfunction

Ependymal tumors begin in the cells that line the passageways in the brain where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced and stored (ependyma). Ependymomas may occur in the brain or spinal cord, and can be either slow or fast growing.

This condition is most common in children and men and women in their 40’s or 50’s. These tumors may obstruct normal CSF flow, leading to Hydrocephalus.

Those with Ependymal tumors can experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty walking
• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Problems with motor skills
• Coordination Issues
• Neck pain or stiffness in the neck
• Visual impairment

A Glioma is a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord. Its name derives from the cell of origin, the glial cell. Glial cells are surround and protect the neurons of the brain. Gliomas are also referred to as intrinsic brain tumors because they reside within the brain and are known to intermix with normal brain tissue. These tumors arise from three different types of cells that are naturally occuring in the brain: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and ependymal cells.

About half of all brain tumors that begin in the brain are a result of gliomas. These generally occur in the upper hemispheres of the brain, but can also grow near the optic nerve, cerebellum and brain stem. Gliomas can affect all age groups, but are seen more more commonly in adults. Also, Gliomas are slightly more common in men than in women.

Those suffering from Gliomas can experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Seizure
• Memory loss
• Cognitive impairment
• Mood swings
• Visual impairment
• Coordination Loss
• Physical Weakness
• Pain in the extremities

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a malignant glioma (Grade IV) that has the potential to grow quickly and infiltrate the brain.

GBM’s are the most invasive type of glial tumors. In adults, GBM occurs most often in the cerebral hemispheres. Because of the aggressiveness of these tumors it is important to seek treatment immediately. These tumors have a high mortality rate if not addressed quickly.
Glioblastoma Multiforme accounts for about 15% of brain based tumors and generally occur in adults between the ages of 45 and 70.

Those suffering with Glioblastoma Multiforme can experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Chronic headaches
• Seizures
• Double or blurred vision
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Mood swings
• Cognitive Impairment
• Difficulty in speech

Medulloblastoma is a malignant brain tumor that most commonly develop in or near the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the area of the brain that controls movement and coordination.

This tumor affects the central nervous system (CNS) and can cause impairment in thought, speech, and body strength. Obstruction of normal CSF flow by these tumors can also lead to Hydrocephalus. Medulloblastoma most often occurs in children but can also be seen in adults.

Symptoms can vary depending upon the severity and location of the tumor.

Those suffering Medulloblastoma can experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Problems with coordination
• Cognitive impairment
• Balance issues
• Visual hallucination

Meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges (the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Meningiomas will present with symptoms based on its location where it is pushing on the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.

Those with Convexity Meningioma may experience signs and symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Seizures
• Difficulty with memory or concentration
• Impaired motor skills
• Fatigue
• Muscle ache
• Mood changes
• Trouble speaking
• Weakness
• Paralysis