Brain Tumours

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). A brain or spinal cord tumour occurs when abnormal cells grow and form a mass. About 1,900 malignant brain tumours are diagnosed in Australia annually, including approximately 110 children.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary based on the tumour’s location, size, and growth rate. Common symptoms include:

General Pressure Symptoms

• Headaches (often worse when waking up)
• Nausea and vomiting (worse in morning or after position changes)
• Confusion and irritability
• Blurred or double vision
• Seizures

Specific Symptoms

• Poor coordination
• Drowsiness or loss of consciousness
• Weakness in parts of the body
• Difficulty speaking
• Trouble finding words

Types of Brain Tumours

Glioma Tumours

The most common type, including:

• Astrocytoma
  • Starts in astrocytes
  • Can be benign or malignant
• Ependymoma
  • Starts in ependymal cells
  • More common in children
• Glioblastoma (GBM)
  • Malignant astrocytoma
  • Most common glioma type
• Oligodendroglioma
  • Starts in oligodendrocytes
  • More common in children

Non-glioma Tumours

• Medulloblastoma (mainly in children)
• Meningioma (usually benign)
• Pituitary tumour (usually benign)
• Schwannoma (usually benign)

Risk Factors

• Family history and inherited gene changes
• Previous radiation therapy to the head
• Chemical exposure (vinyl chloride, certain pesticides)
• Overweight and obesity (linked to meningiomas)

Diagnosis Methods

Initial Tests

• Physical examination of nervous system
• Blood tests
• MRI scan
• CT scan

Additional Tests

• MRS scan (specialized MRI)
• MR tractography
• MR perfusion scan
• SPET/SPECT scan
• PET scan
• Lumbar puncture
• Surgical biopsy
• Molecular testing

Tumour Grades

World Health Organization (WHO) grading system:

1. Grade 1: Low-grade, benign, slow-growing
2. Grade 2: Low-grade, slow-growing, may recur
3. Grade 3-4: High-grade, malignant, faster-growing

Treatment Options

Surgery (Neurosurgery)

Types include:

• Craniotomy
• Brain mapping
• Awake craniotomy
• Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery
• Laminectomy

Other Treatments

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Anticonvulsants for seizures
• Steroids for swelling

Managing Life Changes

Rehabilitation Options

• Physiotherapy
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Exercise therapy
• Speech therapy
• Vision support
• Occupational therapy

Lifestyle Considerations

• Seizure management
• Driving restrictions
• Work adjustments
• Relationship and intimacy changes

Support Services

• GP (doctor)
• Nurse on Call: 1300 60 60 24
• Brain Tumour Alliance Australia: 1800 857 221
• Cancer Council: 13 11 20
• Canteen: 1800 835 932
• Carer Gateway: 1800 422 737