Intracranial tumours

• Intracranial tumour = brain tumour affecting the brain, meninges, pituitary gland, pineal gland, cranial nerves and/or skull

  • In adults, highest incidence occurs in ages 85-89
  • In children less than 15, brain tumours are the 2nd most common cancer (ALL is most common)
  • Secondary brain tumours are three times more common than primary brain tumours
• Clinical features:

  • Presentation is typically progressive and subacute in nature
  • Signs and symptoms typically relate to the area of the CNS affected
  • Signs related to raised ICP are common:
  • Headache - worse on waking, lying down, bending forward or coughing
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Papilloedema
  • Coma - late stage feature
• Lung primary tumours are the most common cause of brain metastases
• Dexamethasone is used to treat cerebral oedema in patients with brain tumours