Glioma / Meningioma / Skull Base Tumours
Glioma
Glioma is a common type of tumor originating in the brain, but it can sometimes be found in the spinal cord. About 33% of all brain tumors are gliomas. These tumors arise from the glial cells that surround and support neurons. There are several types of glial cells, hence there are many types of gliomas, including:
- Astrocytomas : A common form is pilocytic astrocytoma, a benign brain tumor arising from the supporting brain cells and usually found in young adults or children. It can be cured by surgery if the entire tumor can be removed.
- Oligodendrogliomas
- Glioblastomas, an especially aggressive tumor type
The understanding of gliomas has been evolving over the years. Depending on the type of cells that are forming the glioma and their genetic mutations, those tumors can be more or less aggressive. A genetic study of the tumor is often performed to better understand how it may behave. For example, diffuse midline gliomas or hemispheric gliomas are newly described types of gliomas that have specific mutations associated with a more aggressive nature.
Meningioma
A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges — the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Although not technically a brain tumor, it is included in this category because it may compress or squeeze the adjacent brain, nerves and vessels. Meningioma is the most common type of tumor that forms in the head.
Most meningiomas grow very slowly, often over many years without causing symptoms. But sometimes, their effects on nearby brain tissue, nerves or vessels may cause serious disability. Meningiomas occur more commonly in women and are often discovered at older ages, but they may occur at any age.
Because most meningiomas grow slowly, often without any significant signs and symptoms, they do not always require immediate treatment and may be monitored over time.
Causes
It isn’t clear what causes a meningioma. Doctors know that something alters some cells in your meninges to make them multiply out of control, leading to a meningioma tumor.
Whether this occurs because of genes you inherit, hormones (which may be related to the more frequent occurrence in women), the rare instance of prior exposure to radiation or other factors remains largely unknown. There is no solid evidence to support the belief that meningiomas occur because of cellphone use.
Skull Base Tumours
Common skull base tumours are schwannoma, meningioma & pituitary macroadenoma: They are a mass located next to or involving the skull bones. This mass often grows near the bottom of the brain or behind the eyes, nose, and ears.
A variety of skull base tumors exist. They typically grow inside the skull or nose/sinuses, although some grow on the exterior. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) depending on the type.
Symptoms of skull base tumors vary and can develop slowly over time.
Common symptoms of skull base tumours are:
- Headache
- Visual disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Imbalance while walking
- Hoarseness of voice
- Difficulty in swallowing
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